Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle through Mindfulness in University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The present study explored the effects of a second-generation mindfulness-based intervention known as flow meditation (Meditación-Fluir) in the improvement of healthy life behaviors. A sample of university students (n = 51) in Spain were randomly assigned to a seven-week mindfulness treatment or a waiting list control group. Results showed that compared to the control group, individuals in the mindfulness group demonstrated significant improvements across all outcome measures including healthy eating habits (balanced diet, intake rate, snacking between meals, decrease in consumption by negative emotional states, increased consumption by negative emotional states, amount of consumption, meal times, consumption of low-fat products), tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis consumption, and resting habits. There were differences between males and females in some of these variables and a better effect of the treatment was evident in the females of the experimental group when compared to the males. The flow meditation program shows promise for fostering a healthy lifestyle, thus decreasing behaviors related to maladaptive eating, tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis consumption as well as negative rest habits in university students. This mindfulness program could significantly contribute to the treatment of eating disorders and addictions, wherein negative emotional states and impulsivity are central features of the condition.

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Improving Life Habits through Mindfulness in University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

10.20944/preprints202006.0265.v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Encarnación Soriano ◽

Alberto Amutio ◽

Clemente Franco ◽

Israel Mañas

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Intake Rate ◽

Emotional States ◽

Balanced Diet ◽

Healthy Eating Habits ◽

Life Habits ◽

Diet Intake

The present study explored the effects of a Second-generation mindfulness-based intervention known as Flow Meditation (Meditación-Fluir) in the improvement of life habits. A sample of university students (n = 51) in Spain were randomly assigned to a seven-week mindfulness treatment or a waiting list control group. Results showed that compared to the control group, individuals in the mindfulness group demonstrated significant improvements across all outcome measures, including healthy eating habits (balanced diet, intake rate, snacking between meals, decrease in consumption by emotional states negative, increased consumption by negative emotional states, amount of consumption, meal times, consumption of low-fat products), tobacco, alcohol and cannabis consumption, and resting habits. There were differences between males and females in some of these variables and a better effect of the treatment was evident in the females of the experimental group as compared to males. The Flow Meditation program shows promise for fostering healthy life habits, thus decreasing behaviors related to maladaptive eating, tobacco, alcohol and drug consumption, as well as negative resting habits, in university students. This mindfulness program can significantly contribute in the treatment of eating disorders and addictions, wherein negative emotional states and impulsivity are central features of the condition.

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Impact of a behaviourally focused nutrition education intervention on attitudes and practices related to eating habits and activity levels in Indian adolescents

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980021000203 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Panchali Moitra ◽

Jagmeet Madan ◽

Preeti Verma

Keyword(s):

Nutrition Education ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Indian Adolescents

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a behaviourally focused nutrition education (NE) intervention based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) to improve knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to eating habits and activity levels in 10–12-year-old adolescents in Mumbai, India. Design: School-based cluster randomised controlled trial. The experimental group (EG) received weekly NE and three parent sessions over 12 weeks; no sessions were conducted for the control group (CG). The theoretical framework of HBM and focus group discussion results guided the development of behaviour change communication strategies and NE aids. KAP were measured using a validated survey instrument, administered at baseline and endline in EG and CG. Paired and independent t tests determined within-group and between-group changes in pre–post scores. Setting: Two aided and two private schools that were randomly allocated to either an EG or CG. Participants: Adolescent boys and girls (n 498; EG n 292 and CG n 206). Results: EG reported improvements in mean knowledge (39·3%), attitude (7·3 %), diet (9·6 %) and activity practice (9·4%) scores from pre to post intervention. No significant changes were observed in CG. Significant improvements in scores associated with perceived benefits, barriers and self-efficacy, breakfast and vegetable consumption, and moderate-to-vigorous activities were observed in EG. Conclusions: Integrating NE into the academic curriculum and adopting evidence-based lessons that entail targeted information delivery and participatory activities can improve knowledge, foster right attitudes and facilitate better eating and activity-related practices in Indian adolescents.

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A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Feasibility Study of a WhatsApp-Delivered Intervention to Promote Healthy Eating Habits in Male Firefighters

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18126633 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (12) ◽

pp. 6633

Author(s):

Winnie Wing Man Ng ◽

Anthony Siu Wo Wong ◽

Kin Cheung

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Healthy Eating Habits ◽

Cluster Randomized

This cluster randomized controlled trial (CRCT)-designed study aimed to explore the feasibility of a promotion pamphlet and/or WhatsApp as a suitable mode of delivery to promote healthy eating habits with fruit and vegetables (F&V) among firefighters. Convenience and snowball sampling methods were used. Forty-five firefighters from 23 fire stations were recruited and they all received the printed pamphlet, while the intervention group participants (n = 20) received additional teaching material through WhatsApp every two weeks for eight weeks. Feasibility outcomes included retention, practicality, and implementation. The participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the intervention. There were significant improvements in the mean numbers of days consuming F&V (p = 0.002; p = 0.031) in the intervention group, and for fruit consumption (p = 0.033) in the control group between the baseline (T0) and 3 months after completion of intervention (T1). High levels of participants’ satisfaction with the intervention revealed that a full-scale CRCT of the WhatsApp-delivered intervention promoting healthy eating could be feasible, especially as a means of increasing the numbers of days they consumed F&V and the numbers of servings of these consumed per day.

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Comparison of WEB and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Methods for Delivering Brief Alcohol Interventions to Hazardous-Drinking University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

European Addiction Research ◽

10.1159/000381017 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 21 (5) ◽

pp. 240-252 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Claes Andersson

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Interactive Voice Response ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Hazardous Drinking ◽

Heavy Episodic Drinking ◽

Control Group ◽

Large Sample Size ◽

Behavioral Strategies ◽

Group B ◽

Voice Response

This study evaluated automated techniques including personalized normative feedback and protective behavioral strategies, for brief interventions intended to reduce peak alcohol concentrations in university students. After completing baseline assessment, a total of 1,678 hazardous-drinking consumers were randomized to a single or a repeated Internet (WEB) or Interactive Voice Response (IVR) intervention, or to a control group (Single WEB: 323; Single IVR: 329; Repeated WEB: 318; Repeated IVR: 334; Control group: 374). At follow-up, six weeks after baseline, questionnaires were returned by 1,422 participants (Single WEB: 277; Single IVR: 286; Repeated WEB: 259; Repeated IVR: 279; Control group: 321). It was found that peak estimated BAC was reduced in the total group (b -0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.023; -0.005), in the total (b -0.17, 95% CI -0.027; -0.007) and single (b -0.021, 95% CI -0.032; -0.011) WEB group, and in the total (b -0.011, 95% CI -0.021; -0.015) and repeated (b -0.012, 95% CI -0.023; -0.000) IVR groups, compared to controls. The reduction in peak estimated BAC was greater in the single WEB group compared to the single IVR group (b -0.011, 95% CI -0.022; -0.000). This study concluded that both WEB and IVR interventions have a small but significant effect in reducing heavy episodic drinking, which may be due to the relatively large sample size. Repeated intervention may be needed if delivered by IVR.

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Eating habits of heavy industry workers

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.228 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

J Zajac ◽

J Helbin ◽

A Potocki

Keyword(s):

Vegetable Intake ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Coke Plant ◽

Mineral Elements ◽

Heavy Industry ◽

Balanced Diet ◽

Younger Workers ◽

Average Intake ◽

Main Component

Abstract A balanced diet that can satisfy energy and nutrient requirements should be the main component of a healthy lifestyle, especially for physical workers. We aimed to assess coke plant workers' nutritional habits on the basis of 24-hour dietary recalls. Workers were performing similar physical activities and were exposed to a similar environment, measured with 1-hydroxypyrene in urine samples. For each worker, 3 records were collected (2 random weekdays and 1 holiday). Dietary recalls were analyzed using the dietetic program (DietPro) and Statistica 13 software. 53 men, aged 20 - 60, employed at the coke plant were enrolled in the study between April and June 2018. An Average 1-hydroxypyrene concentration was 2.1µg/g creatinine (SD 4.33). Mean BMI was 26.1 and 36.3% of participants were overweight. The average caloric value of recalls was 2594 kcal. Proportions of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats were disturbed. The highest average intake was noted for fats 44% ± 5.7%, with a maximal value of 56%. The proportion of proteins on average reached 37%± 5.6% of total energy intake, the lowest intake was 25% and maximal 49%. Higher intake was noted for younger workers (<40 years old, p < 0,01). The younger population was eating significantly more animal proteins (p < 0,01). The average intake of carbohydrates was 18% ± 2.8%. Vegetable intake ranged from 0g to 541g per day (median value 113g). Fruits were underrepresented in workers' diet with a median of 5g per day and maximal intake reaching 193g. The intake of B vitamins was significantly higher among younger workers. Nutrition habits of the analyzed group stand out many dietetic recommendations from proportions of macronutrients and food fiber to low mineral elements intake. Though there are plenty of different educational programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating none of them are designed for working-age men, especially for physical workers. Key messages Type of diet described in the study is connected to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in combination with exposition to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. There is a need for organized education for heavy industry workers.

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An Interactive Web-Based Intervention to Achieve Healthy Weight in Young Children

Clinical Pediatrics ◽

10.1177/0009922817733703 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 57 (5) ◽

pp. 547-557 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Ellen R. Wald ◽

Linda J. Ewing ◽

Stacey C. L. Moyer ◽

Jens C. Eickhoff

Keyword(s):

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Weight ◽

Healthy Behavior ◽

Reduced Body ◽

Z Scores

This prospective, randomized, controlled trial for parents of overweight and obese 3- to 7-year-olds was performed to assess the feasibility of a program promoting healthy eating and lifestyle by targeting parents as agents of change. The intervention was composed of 6-in-person group sessions and a customized website over 12 months. The control group received customary care. The primary outcome was feasibility of the intervention to promote healthy behavior change measured by attendance. The secondary outcome was effectiveness assessed by attaining reduced body mass index (BMI) z scores, healthy behavior changes and increased parent self-efficacy. Seventy-three child-parent dyads were enrolled; 14 parents never attended any sessions. Participation in follow-up assessments did not meet the hypothesized level. Ultimate BMI z scores did not differ between control and intervention groups. Parenting skills did not improve in the intervention group. This intervention to achieve healthy lifestyle changes in children via their parents as “change agents” was unsuccessful.

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Exploring Healthy life Style of University Students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

sjesr ◽

10.36902/sjesr-vol4-iss2-2021(486-492) ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 486-492

Author(s):

Azmat Ali ◽

Dr. Farooq Hussain ◽

Muhammad Shah

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Health Promoting Behaviors ◽

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ◽

Key Factor ◽

Healthy Eating Habits ◽

Healthy Life Style ◽

Health Promoting

University is a critical stage of life in which students are more likely to engage in unhealthy health behaviors such as physical inactivity, stress, and bad dietary habits. Health-promoting behaviors are an important component of a healthy lifestyle and have been reported as a key factor in sustaining and improving one's health. This study aimed to determine the healthy and unhealthy lifestyles of students in KPK universities by gender and location. In total, 384 university students took part in the study, with 200 authentic and fully completed questionnaires used to determine the overall sample. Data was gathered from six universities in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Males made up the majority of participants (109, 54.2 percent), while females made up the rest (91, 45.3 percent). The findings revealed that the causes had a significant effect on the health of university students. Adherence to guidelines for physical activity and healthy eating habits was found to be insufficient among students.

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Energy and macronutrient intake and dietary pattern among Universidade Lusófona Students – Pilot Study

Journal Biomedical and Biopharmaceutical Research ◽

10.19277/bbr.17.1.221 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Joana Marcos ◽

Nelson Tavares ◽

Carla Sá

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

University Students ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Early Adulthood ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The University

Food choices for adopting a healthy lifestyle are influenced by a set of factors. Early adulthood and university entry are crucial for the development of eating habits that will be decisive in quality of life. In Portugal, there are few studies that assess the nutritional status of university students. The main objective of this study, as a pilot study, was to characterize the dietary habits of university students at Universidade Lusófona in Lisbon, Portugal. This cross-sectional descriptive study included university students, aged between 18 and 28 years old. Anthropometric data were collected, and body mass index was calculated. The dietary habits were assessed through a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, administered directly. The average daily intake values were: energy, 2282.9 ± 954.0 kcal, 243.2 g of carbohydrates, 114.2 g of proteins, and 100.9 g of lipids. These values include a protein intake of 25.40%, 52.11% carbohydrate and 22.47% lipids. It was concluded that there is an increase in protein and lipid intake in samples from the university students evaluated.

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Effect of a Multicomponent mHealth Intervention on the Composition of Diet in a Population with Overweight and Obesity—Randomized Clinical Trial EVIDENT 3

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu14020270 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 270

Author(s):

Cristina Lugones-Sánchez ◽

José I. Recio-Rodríguez ◽

Marta Menéndez-Suárez ◽

Alicia Saz-Lara ◽

José I. Ramirez-Manent ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Control Group ◽

Food Groups ◽

Support Tool ◽

Mhealth Intervention ◽

Activity Tracker ◽

Balanced Diet ◽

Brief Advice

A balanced diet can help in the prevention of chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an mHealth intervention on the distribution of macronutrients and the intake of food groups. A total of 650 participants were included in this multi-center, clinical, randomized, controlled trial (Evident 3 study). All participants were given brief advice about diet and exercise. The intervention group received, in addition, an app (Evident 3) for the self-recording of their diet and an activity tracker wristband for 3 months. Follow-up visits were performed at 3 and 12 months to collect the diet composition using the Food Frequency Questionnaire. There were decreases in the intake of total calories, fat, protein and carbohydrates in both groups throughout the study, without significant differences between them. The intervention group reduced the intake of cholesterol (−30.8; 95% CI −59.9, −1.7) and full-fat dairies (−23.3; 95% CI −42.8, −3.8) and increased the intake of wholemeal bread (3.3; 95% CI −6.7, 13.3) and whole-grain cereals (3.4; 95% CI −6.8, 13.7) with respect to the control group. No differences were found in the rest of the nutritional parameters. The brief advice is useful to promote a healthier diet, and the app can be a support tool to obtain changes in relevant foods, such as integral foods, and the intake of cholesterol. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov with identifier NCT03175614.

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The Effectiveness of an Active Learning Program in Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle among Older Adults with Low Health Literacy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Gerontology ◽

10.1159/000511357 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Kazuki Uemura ◽

Minoru Yamada ◽

Hiroshi Okamoto

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Active Learning ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Network Size ◽

Control Group ◽

Learning Program ◽

Low Health Literacy

Background: Older adults often have a greater need for health information and health care services because access to these helps them manage their health and the chronic conditions of aging. Therefore, low health literacy bears a special significance for the population of older adults. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an active learning program on health literacy, lifestyle behaviors, physical function, and mental health among community-dwelling older adults with low health literacy. Methods: This single-blind, randomized controlled trial involved 60 participants aged ≥65 years with a low health literacy who were randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 30) or control (n = 30) group. Across 24 weeks, the intervention group attended weekly 90-min active learning program sessions, which involved exploratory learning, group work, and the self-planning of behavior changes that promote a healthy lifestyle. The control group attended a 90-min class, which was taught in accordance with the didactic teaching method. For both groups, the programs focused on the role of exercise, diet/nutrition, and cognitive activity for promoting health among older adults. The outcome measures were administered at baseline and week 24. Comprehensive health literacy (i.e., primary outcome) was assessed using the Health Literacy Scale-14. Lifestyle factors (i.e., physical activity, dietary variety, life-space mobility, and social network size), physical function, and depressive symptoms were measured. We used a linear mixed model to estimate the intervention effects in accordance with the intention-to-treat approach. Results: When compared to the control group, the intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in communicative health literacy, step count, engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, dietary variety, life-space mobility, social network size, grip strength, gait speed, and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The active learning program can promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent functional decline among older adults who lack the confidence to engage in health communication.

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