Illness perception and cardiovascular health behaviour among persons with ischemic heart disease in Indonesia

Objective:A study was conducted to explore the level of illness perception,the level of cardiovascular health behaviour and the relationship between illness perception and cardiovascular health behaviour among persons with ischemic heart disease(IHD)in a community setting.Method:The participants comprised 235 persons with IHD.The instruments used were as follows:1)Demographic Data and Health Information,2)The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire(Brief IPQ),3)The Open-ended Questionnaire(OEQ),and 4)The Modified Cardiac Health Behaviour Scale(MCHBS).Findings from the OEQ are used to assess in-depth illness perception and to extend the information obtained from the Brief IPQ.The design of the study was descriptive correlational.The data were analysed using descriptive statistics to present the demographic data and health information.Inferential statistics was used to resolve the relationship between illness perception and cardiovascular health behaviour by using Pearson's Product Moment Correlation.Result:The mean score of illness perception was at a moderate level(M=43.65,SD=3.93),whereas the mean score of cardiovascular health behaviour was at a high level(M=80.29,SD=5.42).A significant positive relationship existed between illness perception and cardiovascular health behaviour among persons with IHD(r=0.38,P<0.01).Conclusion:Persons with higher illness perception showed a positive correlation with higher cardiovascular health behaviour at a significant level of 0.01.Results provided important information for nurses to develop an intervention program to promoting appropriate illness perception and cardiovascular health behaviour among persons with IHD.

Family function and health behaviours of stroke survivors

Purpose:To investigate health behaviours and family function in stroke survivors,and evaluate the relationships among them.Methods:Patients who were diagnosed with stroke before and went back to neurology clinic between August 2011 and February 2012 in a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou,China were recruited for this study.Patients that were discharged and living at home for at least two months were asked to complete Family Assessment Device(FAD)and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile,version II(HPLP-II)questionnaires.Individual items were scored between 1 and 4 points,and survey scores were compared and analysed using Pearson's correlations.Results:The mean overall FAD family function score was 2.18±0.25 points,with lower scores observed for problem solving and role function factors,and higher scores for communication,affection involvement,and behaviour control.The mean overall HPLP-II health behaviour score was 2.27±0.36 points,with the highest score for the nutrition factor,and the lowest score for the exercise factor.The total score of family function negatively correlated with health behaviours(r?0.535,p<0.01).Conclusions:Family function and health behaviours in stroke survivors are related,and need further improvement.Healthcare workers should pay close attention to patients'family function and health behaviours and find the reasons which may be influence their level.

Widening the perspectives of fracture prevention in osteoporosis by identifying subgroups based upon psychological aspects and health behaviour

The potential importance of psychological aspects in relation to risk factors for fractures and preventing unhealth behaviour has rarely been investigated in the field of osteoporosis. This study explores some psychological aspects and health behaviour of people detected to have osteoporosis at the time of a forearm fracture. Moreover, it aims at revealing subgroups within this population with clinical relevance for managing secondary prevention actions. Data collection was based on questionnaires and physical tests. Eighty-five individual were analysed. The results confirm earlier research on a similar population having relatively good self-reported health behaviour. The individuals reported high quality of life, high amount of physical activity and low alcohol intake. A majority reported good osteoporosis knowledge, a high sense of coherence (mean = 74) and high activity-specific balance confidence (mean = 81). Furthermore, hierarchical cluster analysis indicated a typology of two subgroups where 75% matched a health-resilient group while 25% matched a health-vulnerable group. The vulnerable group had a significantly lower sense of coherence SOC (p = 0.02) and activity-specific balance confidence, ABC (p = 0.001). This pattern was confirmed from behavioural aspects but only regarding one traditional risk factor namely the history of fractures. The health-vulnerable group achieved a significantly weaker physical profile, less reported time spent outdoors and lower quality of life. The differences found between the subgroups indicate that this typology, as a complement to models based upon relative risk like FRAX, can be relevant for widening perspectives in future research and clinical practice of fracture prevention in osteoporosis.

Health behaviours and wellbeing of health workers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has led to heightened levels of anxiety and stress levels towards the health threats posed by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.At least 10%of those infected were health workers.In addition,a large proportion of infected cases and deaths were possibly due to SARS-CoV-2 infections acquired in hospitals or long-term care facilities.Health workers,especially those working on the frontline play a crucial role in controlling and preventing the COVID-19 pandemic.Previous studies reported that health workers were exposed to severe emotional stress(i.e.,burnout,depression and anxiety symptoms)during the outbreaks of infectious diseases including severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS),Ebola and Middle East respiratory syndrome(MERS).It is therefore important to be aware that prolonged exposure to moderate-to severe stress can have negative health consequences and reduce the work performance of health workers.Therefore,some immediate measures should be taken by the health care institutions and relevant health authorities to ensure that Chinese health workers are better supported in caring for large number of COVID-19 patients.Future studies should examine the health status and work efficiency of health workers working in high stress environment amidst the COVID-19 pandemic or other disasters.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge and Behaviour among Adolescents in Rural Burkina Faso

Background: Adolescents in developing countries have limited knowledge about the prevention of STIs and unwanted pregnancies. In several African countries, risky sexual behaviour persists, including early sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, economic and sexual exchange, and low condom and contraceptive use. The purpose of this study is to assess the sexual and reproductive health knowledge and behaviour of adolescents in rural Burkina Faso in order to improve their sexual and reproductive health. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection conducted from 07 March to 04 April 2022 in the area of the Demographic and Health Surveillance System of the Nouna Research Centre. A questionnaire was administered to a randomly selected sample of 1202 adolescents. Results: The mean age of the adolescents was 14.1 years and 56.6% were male. Only 58.2% of the adolescents had ever heard of HIV/AIDS. Of these, 95.7% did not know their HIV status. In addition, 15.8% had ever had sexual intercourse and 2.4% had been sexually active at an early age. Almost 45% had not used any contraceptive method the last time they had sex. Condoms were the most frequently used contraceptive method (47.4%). Among teenagers, 27.6% had been pregnant at least once, 7.3% were married and the average age at marriage was 18.45 years. Almost 7% (6.9%) of teenagers had more than one sexual partner. Conclusion: Adolescents have limited knowledge about reproductive health. Risky sexual behaviour persists. Awareness campaigns need to be intensified to improve their sexual and reproductive health.

Predictors of health-promoting behaviour among older adults with hypertension in Indonesia

Objectives:This study aimed to determine the predictors of health-promoting behaviour among older adults with hypertension in Bengkulu City,Bengkulu,Indonesia.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in 333 older adults with hypertension,who were selected using multistage sampling method.Data were obtained by face-to-face interview with structured questionnaires.The questionnaires used in this study included the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II(HPLP II),Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale(HK-LS),Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices Scale(SRAHP),Barriers to Health-promoting Behaviour Scales(BAS),Benefits to Health-Promoting Behaviour Scales(BES),Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support(MSPSS)and Situational Influences Questionnaire(SIQ).Data were analysed by using multiple linear regressions.Results:The mean and standard deviation(Mean±SD)of each questionnaire were as follows:HPLP II,2.55±0.19;HK-LS,11.83±3.00;SRAHP,2.00±5.87;BAS,27.89±2.70;BES,34.29±2.29;MSPSS,60.35±8.12;and SIQ,47.71±6.66.According to the multiple linear regression model,36.9% of the variation in health-promoting behaviour among older adults with hypertension can be explained by six variables,namely,education,knowledge,self-efficacy,perceived barriers,social support and situational influences(adjusted R^(2)=0.369).Conclusions:High and good-quality education will increase the level of health-promoting behaviour,whereas barriers,such as expense and time requirement,can decrease it.Situational influences and support from family and friends can also influence the older adult's attempts to change their health behaviour.Increased self-efficacy will clearly result in improved health-promoting behaviour of older adults with hypertension.

Health-seeking behaviour and student perception of health care services in a university community in Nigeria

Objectives: Examining consumers’ healthcare behavior can help in the design of ways to ensure better access to health and the quality of care. Health-seeking behavior is viewed as the varied response of individuals to states of ill-health, depending on their knowledge and perceptions of health, socioeconomic constraints, adequacy of available health services and attitude of healthcare providers. This study examines health-seeking behavior of university students, their use of healthcare services in the community and barriers to seeking help at the university health centre. Method: Structured questionnaires were validated and administered on a random sample of university students spread over different academic disciplines in a large institution. The sample consisted of 1608 undergraduate students attending the public university in southwesternNigeria. The demographic profile reflects the national university student population. Relevant information was collected on preferred health services consulted by the undergraduates such as barriers to seeking adequate medical attention and their experiences with salient aspects of service delivery. Responses were weighted and the average was taken to be representative. Results: Students consulted their peers (37.5%) in health related academic disciplines rather than seek treatment at the university health centre. Some students (24.7%) preferred community pharmacies while others took personal responsibilities for their health or abstained from medical care for religious reasons (16.8%). Significant barriers to seeking medical attention at the health centre were cost of care, protracted waiting time, inadequate health information, unfriendly attitude of healthcare workers and drug shortage. Conclusions: Students sought help from community pharmacies (ease of access) and from peers in health related academic programmes rather than from physicians at the health centre. Health-seeking behavior of the students was influenced, essentially, by the nature of ailment, waiting time in the health facility and attitude of healthcare professionals. Implications for policy, practice or delivery: The findings of this research identified the relative use of available health services within the university. Initiatives to improve student access to the university health centre should address significant barriers of patient delays, the need for attitudinal change and continuing professional development of relevant workers in the health facility. Promotional activities may be necessary to inform and educate students on rational use of medicines and access to treatment at the health centre.

Health-Promoting Behaviours of University Nursing Students in Jordan

The purpose of this study was to determine health-promoting behaviours of university nursing students in Jordan. This descriptive cross-sectional study used convenient sampling technique to recruit 167 undergraduate nursing students in Jordan. Data were collected by using an Arabic version of Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. The study results revealed that the mean item score for total Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II was (127.24 ± 21.03). The students obtained highest scores in spiritual growth (25.04 ± 4.70) and lowest in physical activity subscales (16.27 ± 5.21). Significant difference was found between Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II subscales (stress management, health responsibility, and interpersonal relations) and students’ age and gender.

Health Care Seeking Behaviour and Predictors of Combined Orthodox and Traditional Health Care Utilization among Households in Communities in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Background: Health care seeking behaviour is a complex, dynamic and multidimensional process that involves a sequence of remedial actions that are influenced by the interaction between the individual, household and community with the intention of addressing perceived ill health. Objective: To determine health care seeking attitude and behaviour and the predictors of combined orthodox and traditional health care use among households in communities in Owerri, Imo State. Nigeria. Methods: A cross sectional design that used a multistage random sampling technique to select 500 participants from households in two communities in Owerri, Imo State. Data was collected using a pretested, semi structured questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were done with frequencies and summary statistics. Chi square statistics were computed to determine significant relationships and binary logistic regression was used to determine predictors of combined use. P was set at 0.05 significance level. Results: The results revealed that, while just more than half of the respondents (56.4%) had a moderate to good level of overall knowledge of health care, almost all of the respondents (96.2%) also had a moderate to good level of overall positive attitude towards seeking health care;with less than one third (29.4%) using combined orthodox and traditional health care treatments. It further revealed that, respondents who were female, traders and from households of polygamous families were significantly more likely to use combined orthodox and traditional health care treatments (p < 0.05) while those with a tertiary level of education, from households with a professional as head, having private water closet toilets and earning a monthly income of more than 50,000 Naira ($140) were significantly less likely to use combined orthodox and traditional health care treatments (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There is a need to be more sensitive to the realities of the combined use of orthodox and traditional treatments, as its use will be difficult to prevent because this behaviour is rooted in the traditional and cultural belief system of our societies.

The Impact of Behavioural Insights on Effective Prescription of Antibiotics by Doctors: A Case Study from Latifa Hospital for Women and Children, Dubai Health Authority

Introduction: Wise prescription of antibiotics is an ethical duty of physicians in view of rising antimicrobial resistance in the community, it should be balanced between the health requirements of the patients and resulting long-term antibiotics resistance. Overuse of antimicrobials is a major cause of emerging resistance to antimicrobials. There are multiple factors in the community that influence the physician’s antibiotic prescriptions. Methods: This is a systematic case-control study on antibiotics prescription for paediatric patients attending Latifa Hospital for Women and Children (LWCH), Dubai Health Authority, to know the effects of behavioral interventions on rates of inappropriate antimicrobials prescription by doctors in the Paediatric Emergency Department. Results: The results of our study showed the effectiveness of behavioral insights by peer comparison in antibiotic use among paediatricians in Latifa Hospital had a statistical significance (P = 0.0038). The rate of the prescription decreased from 41% to 21%, a difference of 20%. Conclusion: The study concluded behavioural intervention is an effective measure in reducing the improper prescription of antibiotics in the hospital setting.

Wearable activity trackers and health awareness: Nursing implications

Purpose:Wearable devices are commonly used to measure physical activity.However,it remains unclear the effect of wearing these devices on health awareness.Our aim was to provide evidence related to wearing physical activity trackers and health awareness.Methods:A quantitative comparison study design was used comparing participants who wore physical activity tracking devices(n=108)and those who did not(n=112).A paper-based Physical Health Knowledge survey designed for the purpose of this research was used for data collection in 2018.Results:A difference between participants who wore physical activity tracking devices and those that did not was identified in relation to activity levels and physical health awareness.Wearable devices are suggested as an opportunity for nurses to engage people in physical activity with the potential to improve their health awareness.Conclusions:Nurses are well placed in the healthcare landscape to work with patients who own an activity tracker device concerning increasing activity self-monitoring.This information the patient has from the device can also form the basis of health discussions between nurses and the people in their care.

Healthcare needs and access in a sample of Chinese young adults in Vancouver, British Columbia: A qualitative analysis

Objectives: Immigrants of Chinese ethnicity and young people (between 18 and 30 years of age) are known to access health services less frequently and may be at greater risk for experiencing unmet health needs. The purpose of this study was to examine the health beliefs, health behaviors, primary care access, and perceived unmet healthcare needs of Chinese young adults.Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out with eight Chinese young adults in Vancouver, Canada. Results: A content analysis revealed that these Chinese young adults experienced unmet healthcare needs, did not have a primary care provider, and did not access preventive services. Cultural factors such as strong family ties, filial piety, and the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine influenced their health behaviors and healthcare access patterns. Conclusion: Chinese young adults share similar issues with other young adults in relation to not having a primary care provider and accessing preventive care but their health beliefs and practices make their needs for care unique from other young adults.

Health, lifestyle and health care utilization among health professionals

Health care workers are responsible for the execution of the health policy of a nation, yet little if any empirical evidence is there on health, lifestyle, health choices, and health conditions of health care workers in the rural parish of Hanover, Jamaica. The current study examines health, lifestyle and health behaviour among health professional in Hanover. The current study has a sample of 212 respondents. A 26- item questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data from the questionnaires were coded and entered into a micro-computer and analysis done using SPSS for Widows Version 15.0 soft- ware. The Chi-square test was used to test association between non-metric variables. A p-value &amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05 (two-tailed) was selected to indicate statistical significance. It was found that 16.0% of respondents had diabetes mellitus (2.8% of males compared to 19.8% females);22.6% had hypertension (25.5% of female and 12.8% of males);0.5% breast cancer;0.5% stomach cancer;1.9% enlarged heart;and 0.5% ischemic heart disease. Forty-three percentage points of the sample was overweight, 33.5% obese and 24.1% had a normal weight. Over 15% of nurses and doctors were obese compared to 38% of ancillary staffers. Twenty percentage points of respondents consume alcohol on a regular basis;15.6% do no regular physical exercise, 42.4% add sweetening to their hot beverages, and 4.7% were smokers. There is a need for public health practitioners to formulate a health intervention programme that will target people in Hanover, but also specific groups such as doctors, nurses, administrative, ancillary staffers and technical staffers.

Awareness and Behaviour Related to Orthodontic Treatment among School Children in Aseer Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background: Awareness of malocclusion and the need to make corrections have increasingly become prevalent among the young population. In the period of adolescence, physical appearance is crucial in the construction of personal identity, including one’s relationship with one’s own body. Orthodontic treatment includes improved oral health and enhanced psychological wellbeing. Early orthodontic treatment for children will be crucial to improving oral health. The present study aims to assess the awareness towards orthodontic treatment among school children’s of Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A total of 835 (450 boys and 385 girls) school children’s, of age group between 10 - 15 years were included in the study. A total of 16 schools in the all Aseer region were surveyed during January to May 2018. A pre-structured self-administered questionnaire consisting of 12 questions with multiple answers were given to the children after the clinical examination to assess their knowledge and attitude towards Orthodontic treatment. Statistical Analysis: The survey data was collected and organized into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets (Microsoft Inc., USA), and was statistically analyzed utilizing the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 software (IBM Inc., USA). The statistical test used here was the chi-square test and P values less than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant (P Result: A total of 292 (65%) of males and 285 (74%) of females have heard of an orthodontist. 234 (52%) of males said that orthodontist would align their teeth. 203 (45%) and 250 (65%) of males and females respectively are aware that few teeth needed to be removed for aligning irregular teeth. Majority of the children are aware of taking braces treatment at an earlier age would improve facial appearance. 320 (83%) and 227 (59%) of female children aware of that irregular teeth can affect chewing ability and speech respectively. 261 (58%) of males knew that orthodontic treatment is longer than other dental procedures. Conclusion: Findings confirmed that there is a positive awareness towards orthodontic treatment among school children’s, but specific misconceptions and barrier exist. There is no statistical difference between males and females in knowledge and behaviour related to orthodontic treatment and malocclusion in school going, children.

Knowledge and health seeking behavior for malaria among the local inhabitants in an endemic area of Ethiopia: implications for control

This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge and health seeking behavior for malaria among the local inhabitants in an endemic area of Ethiopia: Implications for control. 98.6% and 80.7% of respondents had awareness about malaria and the cause (‘mosquito bite’) of malaria, respectively. 186 (81.6%) respondents seek treatment for a febrile disease from health care facilities. Chi-square analysis revealed a strong association between the edu- cational status of respondents and the measures they take to prevent malaria (Х2 = 58.7;df = 16;p < 0.001). The findings clearly suggest that the majority of the respondents had adequate knowledge and enviable health seeking behaviour. However, still a sizable faction had misconception and undesirable health seeking behaviour. It’s a major barrier to implement effective malaria control strategies in the resource- limited settings particularly in country like Ethiopia. In this context, appropriate communication strategies apparently inevitable. Therefore, appropriate communication strategies should be designed to promote the knowledge and health seeking behaviour of vulnerable section of the society in this vicinity.

“互联网+健康管理”模式在健康体检外阴阴道假丝酵母菌病检出人群的干预效果分析

目的外阴阴道假丝酵母菌病(VVC)是当前育龄期女性常见的一种下生殖道感染性疾病,VVC除了对患者生殖器官和功能造成一定的损害外,还因其反复发作、顽固难愈引发了患者心理健康、生活质量和社会功能等一系列相关问题。为加强VVC患者对疾病的防治意识,提高卫生服务质量和妇女的生殖健康水平,现探讨应用“互联网+健康管理”模式对健康体检外阴阴道假丝酵母菌病(VVC)检出人群的干预效果。方法选择2019年7月—2020年3月医院200例被确诊为VVC的育龄期女性为研究对象,按照组间基本特征具有可比性的原则分为观察组和对照组,各100例。对照组采用常规基本的健康体检管理方式,发放体检结果及健康指导建议、建立健康体检档案,电话或短信提醒患者按时复诊等;观察组在对照组基础上应用“互联网+健康管理”模式,建立管理小组,搭建医患沟通平台,健康科普宣教,健康风险评估,个性化干预,定期健康随访。比较两组患者干预前后疗效、VVC复发率、遵医行为及VVC相关知识得分情况。结果干预3个月、6个月后,观察组患者各项VVC相关知识评分高于同期对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。干预后观察组患者的遵医行为、临床总有效率及VVC复发率据低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论“互联网+健康管理”模式可促进健康体检VVC检出人群健康生活方式的养成,提高患者治疗依从性,延缓患者VVC发展,降低VVC的复发率,实现了预期的管理目标。在防治VVC的发展起到了“治未病,防患于未然”的作用。该管理模式具有高效率、广覆盖、低成本的特点,适宜在健康管理和临床护理领域应用。

Sexual Behaviour of Rural College Youth in Maharashtra, India: An Intervention Study

Objective To promote healthy sexual behaviour among rural college youth. Methods The intervention study consisted a sample of 1 500 （800 male and 700female） in baseline and 1 953 （1 022 male and 931 female） college going students in post intervention, in the age groups 15-24 years from 8 colleges in Thane district of Maharashtra. The interventions included dissemination of lEC （Information, Education and Communication）, counselling in colleges and provision of health care services at rural health centers in the experimental area. Male and female teachers and peer leaders were trained to provide IEC. Chi-square test was carried out to find out the association between contributing factors and sexual behaviour. Results Post intervention results showed that overall any sexual experience （coital/ non-coital） increased by 2.6% and 1.0% among male students and 4.6% and 0.8% among female students in control and experimental groups respectively which suggests that in the control area physical closeness and sexual relationship has increased between sexes. A significant improvement was noted in the usage of condom during their sexual intercourse in experimental group. The provision of IEC in college settings, peer leader training and orientation to teachers helped students and teachers to initiate a dialogue on reproductive health issues. Intervention programs helped college youth to develop the skills, make informed decisions about engaging in sexual intercourse and using contraceptives in a social context that sometimes encourages risky sexual behaviour. The study found that peer interaction was exposure to erotic material; habits and working status among boys and peer interaction and place of study among girls were closely associated with their coital and non-coital sex experience. Conclusion A scientifically developed, need based and demand driven reproductive health service package for male and female students in colleges can help them to develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes for critical thinking and responsible decision making and for achieving healthy sexual life. Therefore, programs aimed at promotion of safer sex practice should be promoted at such vulnerable group.

The Role of Attitude Strength in Predicting Organ Donation Behaviour by Implicit and Explicit Attitude Measures

Explicit attitude measures seem to be rather poor predictors of organ donation behaviour. This study examined whether implicit attitude measures acted as better predictors. Special attention was paid to the moderating role played by attitude strength in predicting deliberate donation behaviour. In this study (N = 78), explicit and implicit measures of attitudes towards organ donation, as well as behavioural commitment, were assessed. Implicit associations were measured by an Implicit Association Test;five constructs assessed self-reported—understood as reflected—attitude strength. The explicit attitude measure appeared to be the best single predictor of whether the participant ended up taking an organ donor card. More importantly, test results demonstrated the moderating role of attitude strength. In the case of low attitude strength, the likelihood of taking a donor card increased with an increasing positive implicit association. In contrast, increasing strength was associated with a weaker link between card taking and the implicit attitude measure. The results are discussed in light of the power of implicit associations to predict more deliberate behaviours.

Global prevalence and gender inequalities in at least 60 min of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity 1 or more days per week:An analysis with 707,616 adolescents

Background:Guidelines recommend that adolescents should accumulate an average of 60 min per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA).However,using only this cut-off could hide important information.For instance,from a population-level point of view,increasing physical activity for those with no or low physical activity could provide more health benefits than increasing physical activity for those with intermediate levels.Also,including a more sensitive cut-point of≥1 days per week could be an additional strategy for identifying those with low access/opportunities for physical activity practice.Thus,the current study aims to estimate the prevalence of≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week among adolescents globally,and to describe any relevant gender inequalities.Methods:We used representative datasets from 146 countries/territories collected between 2003 and 2019.MVPA was self-reported.Participants were grouped into younger(≤14 years old)and older(>14 years old)adolescents.Crude Poisson regression models were used to identify the relative differences in≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week between boys and girls,and random-effects meta-analysis models were used to identify the pooled estimates.Analyses were stratified by country and region.Results:Approximately 80%of both younger and older adolescents reported≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week.This prevalence was≥94%in Europe and Central Asia and North America,while the estimates for the other regions were<77%.The prevalence of≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week was higher among boys than girls,with the largest differences occurring among the oldest adolescents(Prevalence ratio_(≤14y)=1.04(95%confidence interval(95%CI)):1.03-1.04)vs.Prevalence ratio_(>14y)=1.09(95%CI:1.08-1.10)).Conclusion:Approximately 8 out of 10 adolescents reported accumulating≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week,with notable differences between regions.Gender differences were observed in several countries,especially among the oldest adolescents.Priorities for physical activity promotion among adolescents should include increasing access/opportunities for physical activity among those who do not achieve≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week and reducing gender inequalities.

Better understanding of c-reactive protein and leukocytes in psychiatric inpatients with affective disorders:A biopsychosocial approach

BACKGROUND Affective disorders(AD)have been linked to inflammatory processes,although the underlying mechanisms of this relationship are still not fully elucidated.It is hypothesized that demographic,somatic,lifestyle,and personality variables predict inflammatory parameters in AD.AIM To identify biopsychosocial factors contributing to inflammation in AD measured with two parameters,C-reactive protein(CRP)and leukocytes.METHODS This observational study investigated 186 hospital inpatients diagnosed with AD using demographic parameters,serum inflammatory markers,somatic variables,psychological questionnaires,and lifestyle parameters.Hierarchical regression analyses were used to predict inflammatory markers from demographic,somatic,lifestyle,and personality variables.RESULTS Analyses showed that 33.8%of the variance of CRP was explained by body mass index and other somatic medication(e.g.anti-diabetics),age and education,and age of affective disorder diagnosis.For leukocytes,20.1%of the variance was explained by smoking,diet,metabolic syndrome(MetS),and anti-inflammatory medication(e.g.non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).Other psychiatric or behavioural variables did not reach significance.CONCLUSION Metabolic components seem important,with mounting evidence for a metabolic affective disorder subtype.Lifestyle modifications and psychoeducation should be employed to prevent or treat MetS in AD.