scholarly journals Religiously Conditioned Health Behaviors within Selected Religious Traditions

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 454
Author(s):  
Anna Majda ◽  
Iwona Bodys-Cupak ◽  
Alicja Kamińska ◽  
Marcin Suder ◽  
Zofia Gródek-Szostak
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Religious Commitment ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Level

Background: Health is a value of paramount importance for human existence. It has a special place in every religious system, both on the doctrinal and practical levels. Most religions view health as a priority value to be cared for, and require followers of individual religious groups to take care of their physical and mental health, and to maintain a balance between body and spirit. The aim of the study was to verify whether the level of religious commitment significantly influences health behaviors and whether in selected religions the faithful have a different approach to health behaviors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a group of 296 people—118 Seventh-day Adventists (SDA), 134 Catholics, and 14 Jews living in southern Poland, and 31 Muslims living in southern and north-eastern Poland. The following research tools were used as part of the diagnostic survey method: a questionnaire survey designed by us; the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); the Inventory of Health Behaviours (IHB); the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS 10) and anthropometric measurements, physical examination, laboratory tests. Results: Only 75% of Catholics who participated in the study declared a high level of religious commitment. On the other hand, all (100%) of SDA, Jews, and Muslim respondents declared their religious commitment at a high level. SDA were characterized by the most desirable health behaviors on the IHB (high and average levels), especially eating habits. They did not consume alcohol, did not smoke cigarettes. The physical activity of most ADS was high and moderate. Most of the SDA subjects were characterized by an average and low level of stress intensity. The most common correct scores for homocysteine, triglycerides, and CRP were SDA, cholesterol by Jews, glucose by Muslims, and HDL by Catholics. The most common negative results were: homocysteine, glucose and triglycerides among Jews, cholesterol and CRP among Catholics, HDL among Muslims. Optimal blood pressure was most common among Catholics, and hypertension was most often diagnosed among Jews. Most often, Muslims had the correct body weight, and at the same time it was the group of respondents most often diagnosed with obesity. In contrast, underweight was observed only among Catholics. The SDA subjects were most often overweight. Conclusions: The results suggest that public health professionals and nurses should develop culturally specific educational interventions, especially among Catholics.

scholarly journals The impact of parents' health behaviours on their preferences regarding vaccinations in Bialystok, Poland

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolanta Kraśnicka ◽  
Elżbieta Krajewska-Kułak ◽  
Krystyna Klimaszewska ◽  
Mateusz Cybulski ◽  
Andrzej Guzowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Health Practices ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Attitude ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background. Currently, as the number of vaccinated children in Poland and throughout Europe is decreasing. Many factors impact on the rate vaccination and parents’ health behaviours may affect the frequency of vaccinations. The aim of the study was to assess the association of parents’ health behaviors with children’s vaccinations.Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 2015 to June 2016 to assess to assess the association of parents’ health behaviors with children’s vaccinations in Białystok city, Poland. We used the the Inventory of Health Behaviours and an original questionnaire including demographic data and questions about vaccination. Three hundred parents were recruited from the Pro Medica Family Medica Center in Bialystok, Poland.Results: Only 3.7% of respondents did not vaccinate their children. The level of health behaviours was average in 42.3% of the respondents, low in 33%, and high in 24.7%. Significant differences in health behaviours, mainly the level of normal eating habits (p = 0.038) and positive mental attitude (p=0.022), were found in relation to views on the toxicity of vaccines. Participants who reported that vaccines can cause autism engaged in a higher level of prophylactic behaviours. Respondents who vaccinated their children with combined vaccines had a significantly higher level of health practices. Conclusions: Parents preferred health behaviours did not effect on children vaccination. Parents who believed in the toxicity of vaccines were more concerned about proper nutrition, had a positive mental attitude, and engaged in a higher level of preventive behaviours and health practices. Parents who did not vaccinate their children had lower levels of normal eating habits. Parents who vaccinated their children with combined vaccines had a higher level of health behaviours, especially in terms of health practices.

scholarly journals The impact of parents' health behaviours on their preferences regarding vaccinations in Bialystok, Poland

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolanta Kraśnicka ◽  
Elżbieta Krajewska-Kułak ◽  
Krystyna Klimaszewska ◽  
Mateusz Cybulski ◽  
Andrzej Guzowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Longitudinal Studies ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Health Practices ◽  
Mental Attitude ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Currently, as the number of vaccinated children in Poland and throughout Europe is decreasing. Many factors impact on the rate vaccination and parents’ health behaviours may affect the frequency of vaccinations.. The aim of the study was to assess the association of parents’ health behaviors with children’s vaccinations. Methods The study was carried out using a diagnostic survey method with an original questionnaire and the Inventory of Health Behaviours. Three hundred parents were recruited from the Pro Medica Family Medica Center in Bialystok Poland. Results Only 3.7% of respondents did not vaccinate their children. The level of health behaviours was average in 42.3% of the respondents, low in 33%, and high in 24.7%. Significant differences in health behaviours, mainly the level of normal eating habits (p = 0.038) and positive mental attitude (p = 0.022), were found in relation to views on the toxicity of vaccines. Participants who reported that vaccines can cause autism engaged in a higher level of prophylactic behaviours. Respondents who vaccinated their children with combined vaccines had a significantly higher level of health practices. Conclusions Parents preferred health behaviours did not effect on children vaccination. Parents who believed in the toxicity of vaccines were more concerned about proper nutrition, had a positive mental attitude, and engaged in a higher level of preventive behaviours and health practices. Parents who did not vaccinate their children had lower levels of normal eating habits. Parents who vaccinated their children with combined vaccines had a higher level of health behaviours, especially in terms of health practices. However, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these results.

scholarly journals Relationship between health behaviors and self-reported diseases by public employees

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 477-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janaina Maria Setto ◽  
Palmira de Fátima Bonolo ◽  
Sylvia do Carmo Castro Franceschini
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Musculoskeletal Diseases ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Administrative Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Introduction: Life habits such as physical activity, leisure, eating habits, stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption can directly affect individuals' health. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between health behaviors and diseases self-reported by employees of a federal public university in southeastern Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 815 employees, of whom 347 were teachers and 468 were technical-administrative staff, aged between 20 and 65 years old. Data from this study were collected from a secondary database, from the Health Questionnaire (self-reported health conditions by teachers and technical-administrative employees), and from the institution's Vice Dean of Community Affairs. Among the variables assessed, the relationship between eating habits, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and self-reported illnesses (chronic diseases and infectious and parasitic diseases diagnosed by a doctor within the last 12 months) was analyzed. Results: The mean prevalence of these diseases among teachers and technical-administrative staff was 3.1 and 2.9, respectively. This study showed a statistically significant association between unhealthy diet and cerebrovascular accidents; between irregular performance of physical activity/sedentary lifestyle and endocrine/nutritional/metabolic and digestive diseases; between overweight and cardiovascular diseases, endocrine/nutritional/metabolic diseases, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension; and between smoking and musculoskeletal diseases. Conclusion: We suggest the adoption of preventative measures and the control of risk behaviors among these employees.

scholarly journals The impact of parents' health behaviours on their preferences regarding vaccinations in Bialystok, Poland

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolanta Kraśnicka ◽  
Elżbieta Krajewska-Kułak ◽  
Krystyna Klimaszewska ◽  
Mateusz Cybulski ◽  
Andrzej Guzowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Health Practices ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Attitude ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background. Currently, as the number of vaccinated children in Poland and throughout Europe is decreasing. Many factors impact on the rate vaccination and parents’ health behaviours may affect the frequency of vaccinations. The aim of the study was to assess the association of parents’ health behaviors with children’s vaccinations.Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 2015 to June 2016 to assess to assess the association of parents’ health behaviors with children’s vaccinations in Białystok city, Poland. We used the the Inventory of Health Behaviours and an original questionnaire including demographic data and questions about vaccination. Three hundred parents were recruited from the Pro Medica Family Medica Center in Bialystok, Poland.Results: Only 3.7% of respondents did not vaccinate their children. The level of health behaviours was average in 42.3% of the respondents, low in 33%, and high in 24.7%. Significant differences in health behaviours, mainly the level of normal eating habits (p = 0.038) and positive mental attitude (p=0.022), were found in relation to views on the toxicity of vaccines. Participants who reported that vaccines can cause autism engaged in a higher level of prophylactic behaviours. Respondents who vaccinated their children with combined vaccines had a significantly higher level of health practices. Conclusions: Parents preferred health behaviours did not effect on children vaccination. Parents who believed in the toxicity of vaccines were more concerned about proper nutrition, had a positive mental attitude, and engaged in a higher level of preventive behaviours and health practices. Parents who did not vaccinate their children had lower levels of normal eating habits. Parents who vaccinated their children with combined vaccines had a higher level of health behaviours, especially in terms of health practices.

Regular consumption of red meat and health behaviors in the Brazilian population

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
D de Assumpção ◽  
S M Álvares Domene ◽  
A M Pita Ruiz ◽  
P M Stolses Bergamo Francisco
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Meat Consumption ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
National Health Survey ◽  
Red Meat ◽  
Alcoholic Beverages ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Unhealthy Eating ◽  
Regular Consumption

Abstract Background The consumption of red meat should not surpass 500 g of cooked weight per week. Regular consumption can exceed this recommendation, increasing the risk of chronic diseases. Objective Estimate the prevalence of the regular consumption of red meat according to health behaviors in Brazilian adults (≥18 years). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with data from the 2013 National Health Survey, which is a household inquiry with a representative sample of the population ≥18 years of age. The regular consumption of red meat (beef, pork, goat) was defined as ≥ 5 days/week. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated according to health behaviors (healthy and unhealthy eating patterns, smoking, practice of physical activity during leisure and alcohol intake). Results A total of 60,202 adults were interviewed, 52.9% of whom were women and mean age was 42.9 years (95%CI: 42.6-43.2). The prevalence of regular red meat consumption was 36.7% (95%CI: 36.0-37.5) and was higher among those who ingested soft drinks/artificial juice (PR = 1.08) and sweets (PR = 1.05) ≥3 days/week, ingested beans (PR = 1.07) and raw vegetables (PR = 1.03) ≥5 days/week, ingested fatty meat (PR = 1.09), smokers (PR = 1.05), individuals who were inactive during leisure (PR = 1.04) and those who consumed alcohol ≥2 times/week (PR = 1.06). The prevalence was lower among those who ate fruit (PR = 0.99) and chicken (PR = 0.95) ≥5 days/week, those who ate fish (PR = 0.90) at least 1 day/week and those who drank no fat/low fat milk rather than whole milk. Conclusions The regular consumption of red meat was higher among individuals who ingested unhealthy foods more often, those who ingested fatty meat, smokers, those who ingested alcoholic beverages and those who did not practice physical activity. Actions are needed to reduce the frequency of red meat consumption. Key messages Regular consumption of red meat can exceed the recommendation of 500 g of cooked weight per week. The regular consumption of red meat was associated with the more frequent ingestion of unhealthy foods and fatty meat.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards vaccination: a survey of university students in Europe

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Callegaro ◽  
L Chinenye Ilogu ◽  
O Lugovska ◽  
S Mazzilli ◽  
A Prugnola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Level ◽  
Coverage Rates ◽  
The University ◽  
Vaccination Knowledge

Abstract Background Immunisation programs are still facing substantial challenges in achieving target coverage rates. This has been attributed to the growing negative individual vaccination attitudes and behaviours. Most of the current studies assessing vaccination knowledge, attitude and beliefs targets adults. However, young people represent future parents and health care professionals. The objective of this study was to investigate vaccination knowledge attitudes and behaviours among university medical and non-medical students in Europe. Methods We performed a cross-sectional online survey between April and July 2018. The study participants were students attending different faculties at the University of Antwerp, Belgium and the University of Pisa, Italy. We described sample characteristics. The effect of risk factors was tested with univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Results A total of 2079 participants completed the survey including 873 medical students and 1206 from other faculties. The average of vaccination knowledge, attitudes, and confidence was respectively 5.51 (SD: 1.41), 4.66 (SD: 0.14) and 5.28 (SD: 0.57) on the 6-points scale. Our respondents demonstrated a high level of awareness with respect to their vaccination history. In total, 67.7% (n = 1407) reported to have received at least one vaccine in the previous five years; only 6.0% (n = 35) did not receive any vaccine in the previous 10 years. According to logistic regression analysis Italian students had significantly higher knowledge, attitude and confidence scores than Belgium respondents. Students of medicine scored significantly higher compared to non-medical students. Conclusions In order to reduce the gaps in vaccinations knowledge between non-medical and medical students we should plan educational interventions. In this way the number of future sceptical parents could be decreased. Further studies are required to explain the differences between countries. Key messages Young adults are the parents and the health care professionals of the future, for this reason their vaccination knowledge attitudes and behaviours should be carefully monitored. European non-medical students have lower vaccinations knowledge, attitudes and confidence compared with medical student. In order to fill these gaps, we should plan educational interventions.

scholarly journals Nutritional Status Disorders in Student Population

2019 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Djordje Stevanovic ◽  
Mina Poskurica ◽  
Jovan Jovanovic ◽  
Miodrag Sreckovic ◽  
Vladimir Zdravkovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Student Population ◽  
Regular Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
Unhealthy Eating ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Obesity is a global health problem associated with numerous pathological conditions. Unhealthy eating habits and the lack of regular physical activity are considered the most common cause of disordered nutritional status. The aim of the research was to determine the nutritional status in student population and the predictors which determine this condition. The cross-sectional study was conducted on 262 students of the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Kragujevac (130 males and 132 females). Body weight and height, body mass index (BMI) and visceral fat (VF) were measured. Each respondent completed a specially designed questionnaire considering sociodemographic data, eating habits and physical activity. The majority of students have normal BMI values (75.6%), 5.3% were classified as underweight, 14.9% as over-weight and 4.3% as obese. Normal VF values were found in 93.1% of subjects, while high in 5.7% and very high in 1.1%. A statistically significant difference in BMI and VF values was found between male and female gender (24.41 vs. 21.05, Sig = 0.000 and 5.47 vs. 3.07, Sig = 0.000, respectively), as well as between students of the first 4 and the last 2 years of study (Sig = 0.019 and 0.000 respectively). Unhealthy eating habits, such as the consumption of sweets, snacks, fast foods and white bread, and the absence of regular physical activity were statistically more present in overweight/obese respondents. Given the significant presence of pre-obesity/obesity in the examined population, corrective measures should be taken in this population in order to avoid a major health problem in the future.

scholarly journals Patterns of Change in Dietary Habits and Physical Activity during Lockdown in Spain Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 300
Author(s):  
Carmen Pérez-Rodrigo ◽  
Marta Gianzo Citores ◽  
Gotzone Hervás Bárbara ◽  
Fátima Ruiz-Litago ◽  
Luis Casis Sáenz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dietary Change ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Active Cluster

Background: Lockdown due to COVID-19 influenced food habits and lifestyles with potential negative health impact. This study aims to identify patterns of change in eating habits and physical activity during COVID-19 lockdown in Spain and to identify associations with sociodemographic factors and usual habits. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1155 adults recruited online to answer a 10-section questionnaire. The protocol assessed usual diet by means of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, usual physical activity (PA) and supplement use, dietary changes, sedentary time, PA, exposure to sunlight, sleep quality, and smoking during confinement. Patterns of dietary change were identified by factor analysis. Factor scores were included in cluster analysis together with change in PA. Results: Six patterns of dietary change were identified that together with PA changes during lockdown defined three clusters of lifestyle change: a cluster less active, a more active cluster, and a third cluster as active as usual. People who were usually less active were more likely to be classified in the cluster that increased physical activity in confinement. Scores of the Healthy Mediterranean-Style dietary pattern were higher in this group. Conclusions: Different patterns of change in lifestyles in confinement suggest the need to tailor support and advice to different population groups.

Feasibility of Using a Mobile App for Stress in Middle-Aged Men and Women. (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Breanne Michelle Laird ◽  
Megan Puzia ◽  
Linda Larkey ◽  
Diane Ehlers ◽  
Jennifer Huberty
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Psychological Outcomes ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
General Coping ◽  
Middle Aged Adults

BACKGROUND Middle-aged adults (40 to 65 years) report higher stress than most age groups. There is a need to test the feasibility of using a meditation app to reduce stress and improve stress-related outcomes in both middle-aged men and women. OBJECTIVE Therefore, the purpose of this study was to: (1) determine the feasibility (i.e., acceptability and demand) of a consumer-based meditation app (i.e., Calm) to reduce stress in middle-aged adults reporting elevated stress; and (2) explore the preliminary effects of Calm on perceived stress, psychological outcomes (i.e., anxiety, depressive symptoms, mindfulness, general coping), health behaviors (i.e., physical activity, eating habits), and perceptions of COVID-19. METHODS The current study is a double-blind randomized controlled feasibility study testing a brief app-based meditation (i.e., Calm) intervention in middle-aged adults (N=83) with elevated stress levels (i.e., score greater than or equal to 15 on the Perceived Stress Scale) and limited or no previous experience with meditation. Participants were randomized to an app-based meditation intervention (Calm) or app-based education control group (POD). Participants completed self-report assessments at baseline and post-intervention (Week 4). Feasibility was measured as acceptability and demand using Bowen’s framework. Feasibility and COVID-19 perceptions data were examined via descriptive statistics. Preliminary effects were examined using repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS Participants were satisfied with the meditation intervention (96.4%; 27/28) and found it appropriate/useful (92.9%; 26/28). Most reported that they were likely to continue using Calm in the future (64.3%; 18/28). More participants in the Calm group reported satisfaction, appropriateness/usefulness, and intent to continue use compared to the control. Calm participants (n=33) averaged 20.0±31.1 minutes of meditation on the days they meditated and 103±109.1 minutes of meditation per week during the study. On average there was a 70.8% adherence rate to the prescribed meditation, compared to 62.2% in POD. Recruitment of men into the study was 34.9% (29/83). Of those randomized to Calm, 55.2% (15/29) were men. Retention among men was 93.3% (14/15) compared to 60% (12/20) for women. No significant within or between group differences in stress or psychological outcomes related to stress were observed nor were significant differences in health behaviors related to stress. CONCLUSIONS A four-week, app-based mindfulness meditation intervention (i.e., Calm) may be feasible in middle-aged adults. Calm participants expressed satisfaction with the intervention and felt it was appropriate and useful. However, significant improvements in perceived stress and psychological outcomes (i.e., anxiety, depressive symptoms, mindfulness and general coping) or health behaviors related to stress (i.e., physical activity, eating habits) were not observed. The majority of participants reported that COVID-19 negatively impacted their stress, mental health, and physical health. More research is needed for improving stress and stress related outcomes in middle-aged men and women using mindfulness meditation apps. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04272138; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04272138.

scholarly journals Health literacy and health-promoting behaviours among Australian-Singaporean communities living in Sydney metropolitan area

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tze Gek Ho ◽  
Hassan Hosseinzadeh ◽  
Bayzidur Rahman ◽  
Mohamud Sheikh
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Migrant Populations ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Smoking And Health

Background: Health literacy affects how individuals navigate and make decisions within the healthcare system and has been recognized to influence health behaviours. However, less is known about its associations with health-promoting behaviours amongst Australian migrant populations. This study is an attempt to fill this gap by investigating the level of health literacy and its associations with physical activity, healthy diet, smoking and health services utilization among Australian-Singaporean communities. Methods: A total of 157 participants were recruited from Singaporean communities living in Sydney metropolitan areas, New South Wales, Australia. Data was collected through a cross-sectional online survey from January 2016 to August 2016. Results: Most of the respondents were female (56.1%), employed (70.7%) and had lived in Sydney for >5 years (80.3%). About 60% of the participants were inadequately health-literate (Brief Health Literacy Screening Tool score ≤ 16). The level of health literacy varied significantly based on participants’ socioeconomic status. Regression analysis indicated that health literacy was a reliable predictor of health-promoting behaviours including diet, body mass index, smoking and alcohol consumption, physical activity and having a medical check-up. Conclusions: This study’s findings have significant implications for health policy makers and suggest that health literacy should be encouraged and included in any health-promoting behaviour interventions amongst migrant populations.

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