Unfavorable Health Behaviors Research Articles

Health lifestyles of six Zhiguo ethnic groups in China: a latent class analysis

BackgroundZhiguo ethnic groups, commonly known as “the directly-entering-socialism ethnic groups”, represent Chinese ethnic minorities who have undergone a unique social development trajectory by transforming directly from primitive societies to the socialist stage. In recent decades, significant lifestyle transformations have occurred among Zhiguo ethnic groups. Understanding their health lifestyles can play a strategic role in China’s pursuit of universal health coverage. This study aims to examine patterns of health-related lifestyle among Zhiguo ethnic groups and explore whether sociodemographic features and specific indicators related to health status are associated with particular classes.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Yunnan Province, China, from July to December 2022. Stratified random sampling method was employed to recruit residents belonging to six Zhiguo ethnic groups aged between 15 and 64. Latent class analysis was performed to identify clusters of health-related behaviors within each ethnic group. Logistic regression was utilized to determine the predictors of health lifestyles.ResultsA total of 1,588 individuals from the Zhiguo ethnic groups participated in this study. Three latent classes representing prevalent health lifestyles among the Zhiguo ethnic groups were identified: “unhealthy lifestyle” (31.80%), “mixed lifestyle” (57.37%), and “healthy lifestyle” (10.83%). In the overall population, individuals belonging to the “healthy lifestyle” group exhibited a higher likelihood of being non-farmers (OR: 2.300, 95% CI: 1.347–3.927), women (OR: 21.459, 95% CI: 13.678–33.667), married individuals (OR: 1.897, 95% CI: 1.146–3.138), and those residing within a walking distance of less than 15 min from the nearest health facility (OR: 2.133, 95% CI: 1.415–3.215). Conversely, individuals in the age cohorts of 30–39 years (OR: 0.277, 95% CI: 0.137–0.558) and 40–49 years (OR: 0.471, 95% CI: 0.232–0.958) showed a decreased likelihood of adopting a healthy lifestyle.ConclusionsA considerable proportion of the Zhiguo ethnic groups have not adopted healthy lifestyles. Targeted interventions aimed at improving health outcomes within these communities should prioritize addressing the clustering of unfavorable health behaviors, with particular emphasis on single male farmers aged 30–49, and expanding healthcare coverage for individuals residing more than 15 min away from accessible facilities.

Meat consumption and obesity: A climate‐friendly way to reduce health inequalities

AbstractBackgroundClimate change, health inequalities and obesity are considerable public health challenges of the 21st century. Red and processed meat (RPM) consumption is associated with an increased risk of obesity and with higher climate impact. At the same time, educational inequalities exist not only in RPM consumption and obesity but also in other health behaviours. Thus, we investigated whether educational inequalities exist in the association between RPM consumption and obesity, while also considering health behaviours (physical activity, vegetable, legume and fruit consumption, alcohol consumption and smoking) as potential confounding and effect modifying factors.MethodsThe FinHealth 2017 Study data, including 4494 participants aged 18–74 years, were used. A validated food frequency questionnaire was employed to determine dietary intake. Height and weight were measured by trained study nurses. Linear and logistic regression models were used.ResultsOdds of obesity increased along with RPM consumption in women (p < 0.001) and men (p < 0.001) and in each educational group regardless of other unfavourable health behaviours. Only in men with basic education were the differences between RPM consumption categories not statistically significant. Compared to those with high education and the lowest RPM consumption, those with basic education and the highest RPM consumption had multiple odds of obesity (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) among women: 7.5 (2.7–20.4); among men: 5.3 (2.5–11.1)).ConclusionHigh RPM consumption appears to be associated with obesity independently of other unfavourable health behaviours or education, yet the odds are higher with basic education. Targeting unhealthy dietary patterns with heavy ecological burden could help reduce both health inequalities and mitigate climate change.

Influenza Vaccination Coverage Rates and Determinants in Greek Children until the Age of Ten (2008-2019), the Rhea Mother-Child Cohort.

In Greece, influenza vaccination is currently recommended for children with high-risk conditions. There are limited data on influenza vaccination uptake among Greek children with and without high-risk conditions. We aim to describe the annual influenza vaccination uptake until the age of ten in a population-based mother-child cohort and identify the factors influencing vaccination rates. Immunization data from the child's health cards at 4 and 10 years were available for 830 and 298 children participating in the Rhea cohort (2008-2019). We calculated vaccination coverage by age, winter season and among children with asthma and obesity for whom the vaccine is indicated. Univariable and multivariable stepwise logistic regression models were utilized to identify the association between several sociodemographic, lifestyle and health-related variables and vaccine uptake by age four. By the ages of four and ten, 37% and 40% of the children, respectively, had received at least one influenza vaccination. Only 2% of the children were vaccinated for all winter seasons during their first four years of life. The vaccination rate was highest at the age of two and during the 2009-2010 season. Vaccination rates for children with asthma and obesity were 18.2% and 13.3% at age four and 8.3% and 2.9% at age ten. About 10% of all vaccines were administered after December and 24% of the children received only one dose upon initial vaccination. Children with younger siblings and those who had experienced more respiratory infections were more likely to be vaccinated by the age of four, while children exposed to smoking were less likely to be vaccinated. Children in our study were more likely to be vaccinated against influenza at an early age with the peak occurring at the age of two. Nonetheless, annual vaccination uptake was uncommon. Vaccination rates of children with asthma and obesity were well below the national target of 75% for individuals with chronic conditions. Certain groups may merit increased attention in future vaccination campaigns such as children raised in families with unfavourable health behaviours.

Health characteristics and behaviors associated with self-reported depression among Brazilian reproductive-aged women: Data from a population-based survey (2020–2021)

This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the health characteristics and behaviors associated with depression in a large probabilistic sample of Brazilian reproductive-aged women. A total of 11,698 non-pregnant women aged 18–49 years old from the 26 Brazilian capitals and Federal District were interviewed by landline between 2020 and 2021. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the Odds Ratio (OR) of health characteristics and behaviors (smoking, alcohol abuse, physical activity, regular intake of fruits and vegetables, overweight, obesity and poor self-rated health) according to the presence of depression and drug treatment for depression. Medical diagnosis of depression, and other health characteristics and behaviors were self-reported. Analyses were adjusted by age, race/skin color, education, and marital status. Prevalence of self-reported depression was 13.3% and drug treatment for depression was reported by 5.3% of the total studied population. The presence of self-reported depression was associated with smoking (adjusted OR - aOR 2.15; CI95%:1.44–3.20), regular intake of fruits and vegetables (aOR 0.75; CI95%:0.59–0.95), overweight (aOR 1.38; CI95%:1.10–1.71), obesity (aOR 1.34; CI95%:1.04–1.71) and poor self-rated health (aOR 4.34; CI95%:3.04–6.21). Drug treatment for depression was associated with smoking (aOR 2.29; CI95%:1.33–3.95), overweight (aOR 1.65; CI95%:1.18–2.30) and poor self-rated health (aOR 4.20; CI95%:2.59–6.83). Self-reported depression and drug treatment for depression were associated with unfavorable health characteristics and behaviors among reproductive-aged women in Brazil.

Adolescents’ self-reported health status, behaviours and health issues addressed during routine school doctor consultations in Switzerland: an observational study

We aimed to investigate the self-reported health status and behaviours of 7th-grade adolescents, associations with gender and educational track, as well as health issues addressed during routine school doctor consultations in Switzerland. Data on health status and behaviours, specifically general well-being, stimulant and addictive substance use, bullying/violence, exercise, nutrition and health protection, and puberty/sexuality, were drawn from routinely collected self-assessment questionnaires from 1076 (of a total of 1126) students from 14 schools in the Swiss canton of Zug in 2020. Data on health issues addressed in school doctor consultations were collected by nine school doctors (for 595 individual consultations). Multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the association of gender and educational track with unfavourable health status or behaviours. Although 92% (n = 989) of the students reported being happy or satisfied overall, 21% (n = 215) often or almost always felt sad, and 5-10% had repeatedly been seriously physically hurt (n = 67), sexually harassed with words (n = 88) or experienced uncomfortable physical contact (n = 60). Female gender and a lower educational track were associated with unfavourable health status. In 90% (n = 533) of the school doctor consultations, at least one topic of disease prevention or health promotion was addressed, whereby the topics addressed depended strongly on the individual school doctors. Our findings revealed that unfavourable health status and behaviours were prevalent among adolescents but the health topics addressed in school doctor consultations were not tailored to students' self-reported health issues. A school-based approach that strengthens adolescents' health literacy and provides opportunities for patient-centred counselling has the potential to improve the current and future health of adolescents and, ultimately, adults. To realise this potential, it is essential for school doctors to be sensitised and trained to address students' health concerns. Emphasis should be placed on the importance of patient-centred counselling, the high prevalence of bullying, and gender and educational differences.

Abstract 3503: Racial disparity and roles of social determinants of health in epigenetic age acceleration among survivors of childhood cancer

Abstract Our published studies demonstrated that epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) is significantly higher in childhood cancer survivors than non-cancer controls. Additionally, EAA is associated with germline genetics, cancer treatments, unfavorable health behaviors, and chronic health conditions. However, our previous studies were limited to non-Hispanic whites (NHW). We aimed to investigate and compare the EAA between non-Hispanic blacks (NHB) and NHW, and evaluate the contribution of social determinants of health (SDOH) to potential racial disparity in EAA. Methylation profiling was generated using Infinium EPIC BeadChips on blood derived DNA from 460 NHB and 2,052 NHW from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort. EAA was estimated as the residual from the fit of a simple linear regression of epigenetic age (EA, using Levine’s clock) on chronological age (CA, i.e., age at DNA sampling). Cumulative doses of chemotherapy and region-specific radiation exposures were abstracted from medical records. Educational attainment was categorized into 3 levels (< high school, high school, ≥ college). Personal income was categorized into 3 levels (none, < $40,000 and ≥ $40,000). For socioeconomic area deprivation index (ADI), we considered >75th percentile, 40th to 75th percentile, and <40th percentile as high, moderate, and low deprivation, respectively. Multivariable linear regression evaluated associations of EAA with race and SDOH adjusting for sex and cancer treatments. Mediation analysis treated SDOH as mediators, EAA as an outcome, and race as an exposure. The Pearson r between EA and CA was 0.85 and 0.58, and the age slope of EA (i.e., annual change rate of EA) was 1.21 and 0.91, for NHW and NHB, respectively. EAA was much higher in NHB (mean, 5.31; sd, 7.21) than NHW (mean, -1.19; sd, 12.48) with significance in a multivariable regression model adjusting for sex and cancer treatment (NHB vs. NHW: β = 1.90, P = 9.24×10-5). EAA was also associated with educational attainment (high school vs. <high school: β = -2.84, P = 3.22×10-5; college vs. <high school: β = -3.75, P = 2.03×10-7) and ADI (moderate vs. low: β= 1.07, P = 0.026; high vs. low: β = 1.58, P = 2.26×10-3), but not personal income. Notably, after adjusting for SDOH, the association between EAA and race was moderately attenuated (β = 1.50, P = 8.37×10-3). Both educational attainment (15.5%) and ADI (21.4%) mediated the association between race and EAA. We found racial disparity in EAA, with both personal and geographic SDOH as mediators of the association between race and EAA. These data indicate that changes in the social support system at both a personal and community level are needed to reduce socioeconomic disadvantage (e.g., lower education and poor living conditions) and hence the biological aging trajectory. In addition, moderate correlation between EA and CA among NHB suggests that further refined measurement of EA for NHB survivors is needed. Citation Format: Noel-Marie Plonski, Cheng Chen, Qian Dong, Na Qin, Nan Song, John Easton, Heather Mulder, Emily Walker, Geoffrey Neale, Jinghui Zhang, Kevin Krull, Kirsten K. Ness, Melissa M. Hudson, Leslie L. Robison, I-Chan Huang, Zhaoming Wang. Racial disparity and roles of social determinants of health in epigenetic age acceleration among survivors of childhood cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 3503.

Teachers' characteristics predict students' guidance for healthy lifestyle: a cross-sectional study in Arab-speaking schools

IntroductionSchools are valuable settings for implementing healthy lifestyle interventions. Teachers' health behaviors affect their health and well-being and might affect their position as role models for students. This study aimed a) to assess health behaviors, health perceptions, burnout, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment among Arab school teachers in Israel; b) to examine the relationship between these variables; and c) to explain the variance of healthy lifestyle promotion among students.MethodsA cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire was conducted among 150 teachers (mean age 39 years, 85% women) in May-June 2020.ResultsMost respondents (79%) were overweight and obese, 79% reported unhealthy nutrition and not reaching the recommended physical activity target, 47% slept >7 hours at night and 54% defined their health status as very good or excellent. Reported burnout levels were high. Organizational commitment and job satisfaction were high while students’ guidance towards a healthy lifestyle was moderate. Burnout was negatively correlated with health perception, organizational commitment, and job satisfaction. Health perception was positively correlated with organizational commitment, job satisfaction and promoting a healthy lifestyle among students. Logistic regression analysis revealed that job satisfaction, performance of PA according to the recommendations and burnout predicted 51% of the variance of healthy lifestyle promotion among students.ConclusionsTeachers in Israeli Arab schools report unfavorable health behaviors and health perception as well as high burnout levels. The findings suggest implementing intervention programs to reduce teacher burnout and creating organizational conditions that would encourage teachers to adopt a healthy lifestyle and help them promote healthy lifestyle habits among their students.

Can motivational interviewing help prevent dental caries in secondary school children?

Design This study was a randomised controlled trial (RCT) designed to evaluate the effectiveness of three school-based interventions to improve the oral health behaviours of adolescents and prevent dental caries. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: Group I - oral health education (which was considered as usual care); Group II - motivational interviewing (MI); and Group III - MI aided by the interactive patient communication tool, the Cariogram. Cluster randomisation was applied and schools were stratified by district. The interventions were delivered at school by trained hygienists. The main outcome measures were psychological (self-efficacy) and behavioural measures about snacking and toothbrushing with clinical measures of plaque and caries.Case selection Participants were selected from 15 secondary schools located in three main districts in Hong Kong in 2015-16. Inclusion criteria were: full-time students enrolled in participating schools; 12 or 13 years old; and having unfavourable oral health behaviour, defined as 'toothbrushing less often than twice a day' and/or 'snacking three times or more a day'. Eligible participants were identified through a screening questionnaire.Results In total, 512 participants were recruited (161, 162 and 188 in Groups I-III, respectively) and of those, 460 (89.9%) were followed-up 24 months post intervention. When compared with Group I, restriction of frequent snacking was more likely in Group II (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 3.91 [1.48-10.33]) and Group III (OR [95% CI]: 6.33 [2.46-16.27]). Participants in Group III had a higher likelihood to start performing adequate toothbrushing (OR [95% CI]: 4.80 [1.79-12.85]). No significant reduction in plaque score reduction was found among the three groups (p >0.05). Groups II and III developed fewer teeth with caries into dentine (β [95% CI]: -0.19 [-0.37, -0.01] and -0.20 [-0.38, -0.02], respectively), whereas the increment of total carious lesions (enamel and dentine) was lower in Group III (β [95% CI]: -0.63 [-1.24, -0.02]).Conclusions The findings of this RCT suggest school-based MI interventions were more effective than traditional oral health education in improving adolescents' oral health self-efficacy, behaviours and preventing dental caries. The authors suggest the benefits of this intervention may potentially extend beyond caries prevention to other oral and systemic diseases.

Genome-wide association studies identify novel genetic loci for epigenetic age acceleration among survivors of childhood cancer

BackgroundIncreased epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) in survivors of childhood cancer is associated with specific treatment exposures, unfavorable health behaviors, and presence of certain chronic health conditions. To better understand inter-individual variability, we investigated the genetic basis underlying EAA.MethodsGenome-wide association studies of EAA based on multiple epigenetic clocks (Hannum, Horvath, PhenoAge, and GrimAge) were performed. MethylationEPIC BeadChip array and whole-genome sequencing data were generated with blood-derived DNA from participants in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study (discovery: 2138 pre-existing and 502 newly generated data, all survivors; exploratory: 282 community controls). Linear regression models were fit for each epigenetic age against the allelic dose of each genetic variant, adjusting for age at sampling, sex, and cancer treatment exposures. Fixed-effects meta-analysis was used to combine summary statistics from two discovery data sets. LD (Linkage disequilibrium) score regression was used to estimate single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based heritability.ResultsFor EAA-Horvath, a genome-wide significant association was mapped to the SELP gene with the strongest SNP rs732314 (meta-GWAS: β=0.57, P=3.30×10-11). Moreover, the stratified analysis of the association between rs732314 and EAA-Horvath showed a substantial heterogeneity between children and adults (meta-GWAS: β=0.97 vs. 0.51, I2=73.1%) as well as between survivors with and without chest/abdominal/pelvic-RT exposure (β=0.64 vs. 0.31, I2=66.3%). For EAA-Hannum, an association was mapped to the HLA locus with the strongest SNP rs28366133 (meta-GWAS: β=0.78, P=3.78×10-11). There was no genome-wide significant hit for EAA-PhenoAge or EAA-GrimAge. Interestingly, among community controls, rs732314 was associated with EAA-Horvath (β=1.09, P=5.43×10-5), whereas rs28366133 was not associated with EAA-Hannum (β=0.21, P=0.49). The estimated heritability was 0.33 (SE=0.20) for EAA-Horvath and 0.17 (SE=0.23) for EAA-Hannum, but close to zero for EAA-PhenoAge and EAA-GrimAge.ConclusionsWe identified novel genetic variants in the SELP gene and HLA region associated with EAA-Horvath and EAA-Hannum, respectively, among survivors of childhood cancer. The new genetic variants in combination with other replicated known variants can facilitate the identification of survivors at higher risk in developing accelerated aging and potentially inform drug targets for future intervention strategies among vulnerable survivors.

Effect of ethnicity, country of origin and workplace on health behaviors and health perception among nurses: Cross-sectional study.

The study aimed to (1) examine health behaviors and perceived health among nurses; (2) analyze the effect of nurses' personal and work characteristics on these variables; and (3) explore the relationship between health behaviors and nurses' health perception. A cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses working in health care organizations (HCOs) across Israel. An email with the online questionnaire was sent to nurses working in 19 HCOs across Israel during September-December 2018. Of 18,120 nurses employed, 3542 completed the survey. Mean age was 44.8years, 91% were female), 64.6% were hospital nurses and 52.8% were clinical staff nurses. Two-thirds of nurses did not achieve the physical activity (PA) target; the majority reported unfavorable eating habits; 66% slept less than 7h at night and 15% smoke. Hospital nurses working night shifts reported the least favorable health behaviors. Non-Jewish nurses had less eating habits compared with Jewish nurses. Nurses born in the Former Soviet Union perceived their health as significantly worse than that of the other respondents. Binomial logistic regression demonstrated that, age, Israeli origin, achieving the PA target, having food breaks during work, consuming a Mediterranean diet, sleeping at least 7h, undergoing screening tests as recommended, and not smoking predicted better health perception among nurses. Nurses, particularly hospital-based, non-Jewish and immigrants from the Soviet Union, demonstrated unfavorable health behaviors that may negatively affect their wellbeing and health perception. Interventions aimed at improving the health promoting mindset of nurses have the potential to improve their health and wellbeing and to enable them to become role models and health educators for patients and their families.

Does motivational interviewing promote oral health in adolescents?

Design In total, 15 secondary schools were designated to one of three groups: (I) prevailing health education (PHE); (II) motivational interviewing (MI); and (III) MI with interactive dental caries risk assessment (MI + RA). Adolescents (n = 512) with negative oral health patterns (irregular tooth brushing and/or regular snacking) were recruited from groups I-III; 161, 163 and 188, respectively. Selected candidates received interventions corresponding to their assigned group. Participants completed a questionnaire on their oral health self-efficacy and routines at 0, 6 and 12 months. Dental caries (number of decayed surfaces/teeth status) and oral hygiene (dental plaque score) of the participants was also recorded at these intervals.Case selection The 15 secondary schools were recruited from the three main districts in Hong Kong. Those included in the study were required to be full-time students in a participating school, 12 or 13 years old, not have any major systemic disease, able to communicate in Cantonese or Mandarin and have unfavourable oral health behaviour - this was defined as brushing teeth less than twice a day and/or snacking more than twice a day.Data analysis The Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used for data processing. For the lost to follow-up cases, the intention-to-treat analyses were performed using the carry forward imputation (for example, the latest known outcome). The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the medians through nonparametric methods. The distribution was compared using the chi-square test. Where the outcome was continuous, a linear mixed model was constructed (for example, plaque score and dental caries). Where the outcome was dichotomous, mixed-effects logistic regression was constructed (for example, 1) changes in oral health self-efficacy - remain negative versus change to positive; and 2) changes of oral health behaviours - remain unfavourable versus changed to favourable). Sociodemographic variables (for example, parental education and sex) were controlled for.Results Participants in groups II and III were more likely to increase tooth brushing frequency and reduce their snacking after 12 months, compared to group I. In addition to this, groups II and III had a lower number of new carious teeth compared to group I.Conclusions PHE was less effective than MI in evoking favourable changes in the oral health patterns of adolescents and preventing dental caries.

Nutritional Behaviors, Health Literacy, and Health Locus of Control of Secondary Schoolers in Southern Poland: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Nutritional behaviors remain an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. It seems obvious that unfavorable health behaviors adopted in adolescence are maintained late in adulthood and may have a profound effect on health status. The main aim of this study was to assess the association between nutritional behaviors and health literacy (HL), health locus of control (HLC), and socioeconomic variables in secondary school pupils from a voivodship (the main unit of territorial division) in southern Poland. The analysis was based on dataTable from a paper-and-pencil survey taken by 2223 pupils from schools selected as the result of cluster sampling. The survey questionnaire encompassed a set of five items asking about dietary patterns and the consumption of fruit and vegetables as well as fast food, a European Health Literacy Project Questionnaire consisting of 47 items, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale, and items asking about sociodemographic and economic variables. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression models have been developed to assess the predictors of indicator nutrition behaviors. The adjusted models revealed that internal HLC was not significantly associated with any of analyzed nutritional behaviors. “Powerful other HLC” and “Chance HLC” (dimension of external HLC) were significant predictors of the selected dietary patterns. Furthermore, higher HL was associated with higher consumption of fruit and vegetables [odds ratio, 95% confidence interval (OR, 95% CI)]: 1.02 (1.01–1.04) and with lower consumption of fast food (OR, 95% CI, 0.98, 0.95–0.999). There was a significant relationship between gender, the size of the household, self-assessed economic situation, expenditures on mobile phones, and weekly duration of Internet use and selected nutrition behaviors. In conclusion, developed regression models confirmed a significant relationship between HL and the types of consumed food, but not with dieting patterns. Contrary to earlier studies, internal HLC was not associated with nutrition behaviors. In our study, boys showed more favorable nutritional behaviors than girls. More intense use of the Internet was associated with less beneficial nutritional behaviors. This study brings important results that should have an impact on health promotion interventions addressed to adolescents in southern Poland.

Familial Correlates of Leisure Time Activities among Polish Early School-Age Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

The after-school period may play a critical role in the accumulation of children’s physical activity and sedentary time. The study aimed to characterize familial correlates of early school-age children’s leisure time activities. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a group of 223 children (mean age 8.7 ± 0.5) and their parents. The percentage of children with daily leisure time physical activity (LTPA) >1 h was 23.32%, and with daily screen time <2 h was 32.74%. The average children’s leisure time physical activity was significantly higher on weekend days than on weekdays (114.85 vs. 89.43 min, p = 0.005). Similarly, the average screen time was higher on weekend days than on weekdays (95.50 vs. 66.10 min, p < 0.001). The multivariate regression analysis revealed that independent predictors of children’s leisure time physical activity were the father’s education level and the father’s occupational status, whereas at least one parent with higher education correlated negatively with children’s longer screen time. The study showed that children’s leisure time activities are associated with parental education and differ significantly between weekdays and weekend days. These findings underline the need for screening for unfavorable health behaviors among early school-age children, and indicate that health promotion programs should be oriented on both parents and children aiming to improve parental health consciousness, reduce screen time and increase physical activity, especially during the weekend.

Health behaviours of forensic mental health service users, in relation to smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary behaviours and physical activity-A mixed methods systematic review.

People with mental disorders have increased risk of dying from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases compared to the general population. Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases are preventable by improved lifestyle regarding smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and dietary behaviours. Forensic mental health service users are treated for longer periods of time compared to non-forensic mental health service users, giving the opportunity to affect the lifestyle for a substantial period of time. This review gathers existing research on forensic mental health service users' lifestyle regarding smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and dietary behaviours and factors influencing it. The lifestyle was found to be unfavourable with many patients being smokers, having problematic alcohol consumption, being physically inactive and eating a diet of poor nutritional value and rich in calories. Therefore, it seems likely that an unfavourable lifestyle is one reason for the excess mortality from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Smoking cessation and improving dietary habits was perceived difficult, but nicotine replacement and practical advice was suggested to support a change. The treatment period gives an opportunity to improve the lifestyle of forensic mental health service users to prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in this high-risk group. We recommend a holistic approach, when planning the prevention activities, since activities that are perceived fun are more likely to succeed. Introduction People with mental disorders have increased risk of dying from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, both of which can be prevented by lifestyle. Aim To review existing research, in order to investigate the characteristics of, and factors that influence forensic mental health service users' (FMU) health behaviours. Method We searched PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Scopus for primary research on FMU's health behaviours regarding smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and dietary behaviours, and factors that influence them. Results We found 13 eligible studies. The findings consistently indicated the presence of unfavourable health behaviours in FMU: Smoking, problematic alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and a high-calorie diet of poor nutritional value. Changing smoking and dietary habits was perceived as difficult, but nicotine replacement and practical advice were suggested to support change. Discussion The existing research on FMU's health behaviours is sparse. In particular, there is a lack of research on factors that influence health behaviours. From our findings, it seems likely that FMU's unfavourable health behaviours contribute to their increased risk of dying from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Implications for practice FMU's health behaviours should be improved to prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in this high-risk group.

Epigenetic Age Acceleration and Chronic Health Conditions Among Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer.

Mounting evidence supports the occurrence of accelerating aging among long-term survivors of childhood cancer. We aimed to investigate epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) in survivors and evaluate associations between EAA, treatment exposures, health behaviors, and chronic health conditions (CHCs). Genome-wide methylation data were generated with Infinium EPIC BeadChip on blood-derived DNA from 2139 survivors and 282 frequency matched controls from the St Jude Lifetime Cohort Study. EAAs were estimated as residuals from a linear regression of epigenetic age (Levine's clock) against chronological age. Adjusted least square mean (ALSM) of EAA was calculated and compared between survivors and controls, across treatment exposures and health behaviors. Associations of EAA with 20 clinically assessed CHCs were evaluated with multivariable piecewise-exponential models. All statistical tests for P values below were 2-sided. EAA was statistically significantly higher in survivors than controls (ALSM = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.26 to 1.01 vs -3.61, 95% CI = -4.43 to 2.80). In a multivariable model among survivors, statistically significantly higher EAA (P < .05) was observed in those exposed to chest radiotherapy, abdomen or pelvic radiotherapy, alkylating agents, glucocorticoids, or epipodophyllotoxins. Compared with survivors with favorable health behaviors (ALSM = 0.26, 95% CI=-0.36 to 0.87), EAA was statistically significantly higher among survivors with intermediate (ALSM = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.59 to 1.54) or unfavorable health behaviors (ALSM = 1.45, 95% CI = 0.60 to 2.30). In time-to-event analyses, statistically significant associations were identified between EAA tertiles and incidence of 7 CHCs: hypertension (3rd vs 1st tertile, relative rate [RR] = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.17 to 2.83), myocardial infarction (RR = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.27 to 7.21), obesity (RR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.17 to 1.66), obstructive pulmonary deficit (RR = 1.86, 95% CI = 0.95 to 3.77), peripheral motor neuropathy (RR = 2.89, 95% CI = 1.24 to 6.97), peripheral sensory neuropathy (RR = 2.04, 95% CI = 0.99 to 4.26), and pulmonary diffusion deficits (RR = 2.75, 95% CI = 0.95 to 7.63). EAA is statistically significantly higher in survivors of childhood cancer than in noncancer controls and is associated with specific treatment exposures, unfavorable health behaviors, and presence of specific CHCs.

Abstract 5414: Epigenetic age acceleration and chronic health conditions among adult survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort

Abstract Background: The epigenetic clock becomes an important biomarker in aging research, where epigenetic age (EA) approximates chronological age with high accuracy and epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) demonstrates superior performance in predicting health outcomes in the general population. The utility of EAA among adult survivors of childhood cancer is largely unknown. We aimed to compare EAA between childhood cancer survivors and non-cancer controls, and evaluate associations between EAA, treatment exposures, health behaviors, and chronic health conditions (CHCs) among survivors. Methods: Genome-wide methylation data were generated with Infinium EPIC BeadChip on blood derived DNA from 2139 survivors and 282 community controls with no prior history of cancer. EAA was estimated as the residual value from the fit of a simple linear regression of EA (using Levine's clock) on chronological age (i.e., age at DNA sampling). Cumulative doses of chemotherapy and region-specific radiation exposures were abstracted from medical records. Health behaviors including physical activity, diet, tobacco smoking, and alcohol consumption were assessed from questionnaires and categorized as favorable, intermediate and unfavorable. Multivariable piecewise-exponential regression model was employed to evaluate associations of EAA with 59 clinically assessed CHCs. Results: EA was highly correlated with chronological age with the same Pearson coefficient (r = 0.88) in survivors and controls; however, EAA was significantly higher in survivors than controls, overall (adjusted least square mean [ALSM] = 0.63 vs. -3.61 years, P&amp;lt;0.001) and across primary diagnoses (ranging from ALSM = -1.27 in central nervous system tumor to 4.61 in Hodgkin lymphoma). Among survivors, significantly higher EAA was associated with exposures to chest RT, abdomen/pelvic RT, alkylating agents, glucocorticoids, or epipodophyllotoxins. Compared to survivors with favorable health behaviors (ALSM = 0.26), EAA was higher in survivors with intermediate (1.07, P = 0.04) or unfavorable health behaviors (1.45, P = 0.03). After adjusting for attained age, sex, age at diagnosis, and treatment, significant linear trends across tertiles of EAA were identified in associations with occurrences of five CHCs: hypertension (Relative Rate = 1.83 for survivors with EAA in the 3rd vs. the 1st tertile, 95% CI = 1.17-2.83); myocardial infraction (2.91, 1.27-7.21); obesity (1.39, 1.17-1.66); obstructive pulmonary deficit (1.86, 0.95-3.77); and peripheral sensory neuropathy (2.04, 0.99-4.26). Conclusion: EAA is significantly higher in childhood cancer survivors than non-cancer controls and is associated with treatment exposures, health behaviors, and CHCs. Clinically, EAA may inform intervention strategies including health coaching to prevent or delay the onset of CHCs among survivors of childhood cancer. Citation Format: Na Qin, Zhenghong Li, Nan Song, John Easton, Heather Mulder, Emily Plyler, Geoffery Neale, Emily Walker, Carmen L. Wilson, Melissa M. Hudson, Yutaka Yasui, Leslie L. Robison, Jinghui Zhang, Kirsten K. Ness, Zhaoming Wang. Epigenetic age acceleration and chronic health conditions among adult survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 5414.

Motivational interviewing to prevent early childhood caries: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesPrevailing health education (PE) often fails to achieve sustained behavioral changes. This randomized controlled trial integrated motivational interviewing (MI) and a patient communication tool featuring interactive caries risk assessment (RA) into PE and investigated the effectiveness of PE, PE + MI, and PE + MI + RA in preventing early childhood caries. MethodsThis study targeted children aged 3-4 years with unfavorable oral health behaviors. 692 parent-child dyads were recruited, randomly assigned into three groups (PE, PE + MI, and PE + MI + RA), and received respective interventions. A questionnaire was completed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months to collect information on socio-demographic background, parental efficacy and children’s oral health behaviors. Children’s oral hygiene status and dental caries were recorded at baseline and after 12 months. Results655 (94.7%) parent-child dyads remained in the study after 12 months. Caries increment was significantly lower in PE + MI group (β=-0.717, 95% CI: -1.035, -0.398) and PE + MI + RA group [β=-0.600, 95% CI: -0.793, -0.407] than in PE group. There was significantly greater reduction in plaque score in PE + MI group (β=-0.077, 95% CI: -0.106, -0.048) and PE + MI + RA group (β=-0.075, 95% CI: -0.113, -0.036), as compared with PE group. Significantly greater improvements were found in parental efficacy and children’s oral health behaviors in PE + MI and PE + MI + RA groups than in PE group (all p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between PE + MI group and PE + MI + RA group across all outcome measures (all p > 0.05). ConclusionsIntergration of motivational interviewing improves the effectiveness of prevailing health education in preventing early childhood caries, enhancing parental efficacy, and improving children’s oral health behaviors. Incorporation of the communication tool for caries risk assessment does not further improve the effectiveness of motivational interviewing in protecting children’s oral health. Clinical SignificanceThe findings of this study provide much needed evidence for dentists, dental auxiliary staff and public health workers to select effective intervention to empower parents for improving children’s oral health behaviors and preventing early childhood caries.

Eating behavior tendencies among Finnish adults in relation to previous weight loss attempts

BackgroundThe number of weight loss attempts may be associated with higher weight status and unfavorable health behaviors as well as dysfunctional eating behaviors. We aimed to study eating behavior tendencies, i.e., cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating and emotional eating among a sample of Finnish adults who had engaged in a different number of attempts to lose weight during their lifetime. MethodsData were collected through a web-based survey. Participants completed a background questionnaire (including questions on weight, height, number of attempts to lose weight) and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18). Out of 1985 individuals, 1679 with complete data were included in the study. The TFEQ-R18 was tested for its reliability and fit to our study population using Cronbach's alpha and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). ResultsSubscales of the TFEQ-R18 had acceptable reliability except for that of ‘cognitive restraint’, which reached acceptable reliability when three items were deleted (items 15, 16, 18). The revised version of the questionnaire was designated as the TFEQ-R15, which showed good fit based on CFA fit indices. Participants who had attempted to lose weight during their lifetime (n = 1229), especially those with ≥3 weight loss attempts (n = 499), had greater cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, emotional eating, and higher body mass index (BMI) than those with no previous weight loss attempts (n = 132). ConclusionsOur findings suggest that eating behavior tendencies, i.e., decreasing tendencies of uncontrolled and emotional eating should receive more emphasis to support successful weight management.

Need for recovery in relation to effort from work and health in four occupations

ObjectiveTo examine three levels of need for recovery (NFR) after work in relation to effort from work demands, demand compensatory strategies, effort-moderating or -reversing resources, and health including health behaviors. A further purpose was to examine occupational characteristics determining NFR.Methods5000 engineers, carpenters, nurses, and home care nurses were invited to participate. NFR k-means clusters were calculated from 1289 participants. The effect from three levels of NFR regarding demands, compensatory strategies, resources at work, health, and health behaviors was examined using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc analysis. Prevalence ratios (PRs) of suboptimal health for three levels of NFR were calculated using Poisson regression. Linear stepwise multiple regression predictors explaining NFR were examined also occupation wise.ResultsNFR centroids at 5.8/33, 13.1/33, and 21.0/33 points were identified. ANOVA showed corresponding effects from NFR levels on work demands and compensatory strategies. The inversed proportion concerned levels of resources at work. Only the low NFR cluster negated regular health effects. The other two cluster groups also repeatedly worked while ill and presented PRs concerning health effects from 1.9 to 3.9 when compared to the low NFR group. Making good quality work, recovery opportunities, and thinking of work when off work were the most important predictors of NFR among 1289 participants with also occupation-wise interpretable profiles.ConclusionsThree levels of NFR meant corresponding levels of work demands, work-demand compensatory strategies, and unfavorable health behaviors. An inversed proportion of resources related to the same levels of NFR. Low NFR meant no regular health effects which could guide limit values regarding salutary NFR. Important predictors of NFR were resources making a good quality work, recovery opportunities, and reversely effort from rumination when off work. Occupation-wise predictors could guide interventions.

Health-related behaviours and perceptions among physicians: results from a cross-sectional study in Israel

ObjectivesPhysicians’ demanding work conditions may reduce the time and energy required for maintaining healthy lifestyles. This study examined health-related behaviours, perceived health status and emotional stress among physicians, and analysed...