scholarly journals Policy Instruments for Health Promotion: A Comparison of WHO Policy Guidance for Tobacco, Alcohol, Nutrition and Physical Activity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Gelius ◽  
Sven Messing ◽  
Antonina Tcymbal ◽  
Stephen Whiting ◽  
João Breda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
National Level ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Alcohol Policy ◽  
World Health ◽  
Prevention Policy ◽  
Regional Office ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Nutrition And Physical Activity ◽  
Policy Fields

Background: Policy is an important element of influencing individual health-related behaviours associated to major risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy eating and physical inactivity. However, our understanding of the specific measures recommended in NCD prevention policy-making remains limited. This study analysed recent World Health Organization (WHO) documents to identify common policy instruments suggested for national NCD prevention policy and to assess similarities and differences between policies targeting different health-related behaviours. Methods: Evert Vedung’s typology of policy instruments, which differentiates between regulatory, economic/ fiscal and soft instruments, served as a basis for this analysis. A systematic search on WHO websites was conducted to identify documents relating to tobacco, alcohol, nutrition and physical activity. The staff of the respective units at the WHO Regional Office for Europe conducted an expert validation of these documents. The resulting documents were systematically searched for policy instruments. A word frequency analysis was conducted to estimate the use of individual instruments in the different policy fields, followed by an additional in-depth coding and content analysis by two independent reviewers. Results: Across all health-related behaviours, the following policy instruments were suggested most frequently in WHO guidance documents: laws, regulations, standards, taxes, prices, campaigns, recommendations, partnerships and coordination. The analysis showed that regulatory and economic/fiscal policy instruments are mainly applied in tobacco and alcohol policy, while soft instruments dominate in the fields of nutrition and especially physical activity. Conclusion: The study confirms perceived differences regarding recommended policy instruments in the different policy fields and supports arguments that "harder" instruments still appear to be underutilized in nutrition and physical activity. However, more comprehensive research is needed, especially with respect to actual instrument use and effectiveness in national-level NCD prevention policy.

scholarly journals Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Sleep and Self-Regulation in Spanish Preschoolers during the COVID-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 693
Author(s):  
Alicia M. Alonso-Martínez ◽  
Robinson Ramírez-Vélez ◽  
Yesenia García-Alonso ◽  
Mikel Izquierdo ◽  
Antonio García-Hermoso
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
National Level ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
World Health ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Health Organization

Background: A better understanding of the effects of the lockdown on lifestyle behaviors may help to guide the public health response to COVID-19 at a national level and to update the global strategy to respond COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on device-measured physical activity (PA), sedentary time, sleep and self-regulation; and to determine whether PA and sleep are related to self-regulation problems during the lockdown. Methods: PA, sedentary time and sleep were assessed using accelerometry in the week in which the Spanish national state of alarm was declared (n = 21). Parents reported preschooler’s self-regulation difficulties (internalizing and externalizing) before (n = 268) and during the lockdown (n = 157) by a validated questionnaire. Results: Preschoolers showed a decrease in total PA (mean difference [MD] = −43.3 min per day, 95% CI −68.1 to −18.5), sleep efficiency (MD = −2.09%, 95% CI −4.12 to −0.05), an increase in sedentary time (MD = 50.2 min per day, 95% CI 17.1 to 83.3) internalizing (MD = 0.17, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.28) and externalizing (MD = 0.33, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.44) problems. Preschoolers who met the World Health Organization recommendations for PA had lower internalizing scores than non-active peers (MD = −1.28, 95% CI −2.53 to −0.03). Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of meeting PA recommendations to reduce psychosocial difficulties during a lockdown situation.

scholarly journals Health literacy needs among unemployed adults: Triangulating interview and scoping review data

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Samkange-Zeeb ◽  
H Singh ◽  
M Lakeberg ◽  
J Kolschen ◽  
B Schüz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Mental Health Literacy ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Nutrition And Physical Activity

Abstract   Disadvantaged populations, including unemployed adults, often exhibit low levels of health literacy. Exploring subjectively perceived health literacy needs in these populations can serve as an entry point for participatory intervention development. We aimed to assess health literacy needs of unemployed adults by triangulating qualitative interviews data and a scoping review. Using a parallel approach, we combined results of an interview study with 10 participants of a job-reintegration program in Germany and a scoping review. The interviews, conducted in early 2021, focused on health topics of interest to the participants and their sources of health-related information. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. For the scoping review, we searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo and SCOPUS up to January 2021 for studies containing “unemployed” AND “health literacy” in titles/abstracts. Study selection and data extraction were done independently by two researchers. Nutrition and physical activity emerged as core themes during the interviews, with some participants referring to the importance of both for mental health. Doctors and the institution running the job-reintegration program were the sources of health-related information often mentioned. The Corona pandemic was reported to have limited physical activity and affected psycho-social well-being. Five out of 2696 studies were included in the review. Four focused on mental health literacy, the fifth assessed information seeking practices in unemployed adults. The qualitative analysis revealed that health literacy needs of unemployed adults go beyond mental health literacy. As nutrition and physical activity impact mental health, interventions targeting such topics might also improve mental health literacy in unemployed adults. Study findings will be discussed with unemployed persons and social workers in co-production workshops that aim to identify and prioritize health literacy needs for intervention development. Key messages Health literacy programs for unemployed adults should target nutrition and physical activity. Workforce re-integration programs play a pivotal role in improving health literacy of unemployed adults.

scholarly journals The Principles of International Classification of Health Interventions of World Health Organization

2018 ◽  
pp. 18-27
Author(s):  
Irina Tyurina
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
National Level ◽  
International Classification ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
World Health ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Medical Interventions ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Health Organization

The application of the nomenclature of medical services in the Russian Federation revealed limitations of its structure and content. The analysis of international experience in the classification of medical interventions can help to improve this nomenclature. World Health Organization has prepared a draft of the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI), which should be a part of a family of health-related international classifications. It is not yet finished and cannot be used for the classification of medical services on a national level; however, its main principles have already been formulated. All interventions are classified according to three levels (axes): target of intervention; action (the essence of intervention), and means. Lists of types of targets, actions and means have been developed, and recommendations on the classification and coding of medical interventions have been proposed for various situations. There are significant differences in the approach to the classification of medical interventions between ICHI and the Russian nomenclature of medical services. A detailed comparative analysis of the classification principles in ICHI and in the nomenclature is needed.

scholarly journals Examining ways to enhance active transportation and the impact on commuters’ health, wellbeing and sustainable development

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Papageorgiou ◽  
Eudokia Balamou ◽  
Theophano Efstathiadou ◽  
Athanasios Maimaris
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Cardiovascular Complications ◽  
Active Transportation ◽  
World Health ◽  
The World ◽  
Relevant Variables ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

Active transportation and physical activity is a major remedy to health-related problems in our society. According to the World Health Organization the lack of physical activity is one of the leading risk factors for global mortality as well as health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular complications and other diseases that are threatening public health. To reduce the health risks of physical inactivity, active transportation and generally physical activity have recently gained great interest in our modern societies. This paper investigates ways to enhance active transportation and the impact on commuters’ health, wellbeing and urban sustainability. As a result, a theoretical framework is developed that explores the relevant variables that influence commuter’s willingness for active mobility.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of measles cases, vaccine effectiveness, and performance towards measles elimination in The Gambia

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0258961
Author(s):  
Alieu Sowe ◽  
Mbye Njie ◽  
Dawda Sowe ◽  
Sidat Fofana ◽  
Lamin Ceesay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Level ◽  
Vaccine Effectiveness ◽  
Vaccination Status ◽  
The Gambia ◽  
World Health ◽  
Regional Office ◽  
Measles Elimination ◽  
River Region ◽  
Campaign Coverage

Introduction In 2011, member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Regional Office (AFRO) resolved to eliminate Measles by 2020. Our study aims to assess The Gambia’s progress towards the set AFRO measles elimination target and highlight surveillance and immunisation gaps to better inform future measles prevention strategies. Material and methods A retrospective review of measles surveillance data for the period 2011–2019, was extracted from The Gambia case-based measles surveillance database. WHO—UNICEF national coverage estimates were used for estimating national level MCV coverage. Measles post campaign coverage survey coverage estimates were used to estimate national measles campaign coverage. Results One hundred and twenty-five of the 863 reported suspected cases were laboratory confirmed as measles cases. More than half (53.6%) of the confirmed cases have unknown vaccination status, 24% of cases were vaccinated, 52.8% of cases occurred among males, and 72.8% cases were among urban residents. The incidence of measles cases per million population was lowest (0) in 2011–2012 and highest in 2015 and 2016 (31 and 23 respectively). The indicator for surveillance sensitivity was met in all years except in 2016 and 2019. Children aged 5–9 years (Incidence Rate Ratio—IRR = 0.6) and residents of Central River region (IRR = 0.21) had lower measles risk whilst unvaccinated (Adjusted IRR = 5.95) and those with unknown vaccination status (IRR 2.21) had higher measles risk. Vaccine effectiveness was 89.5%. Conclusion The Gambia’s quest to attain measles elimination status by 2020 has registered significant success but it is unlikely that all target indicators will be met. Vaccination has been very effective in preventing cases. There is variation in measles risk by health region, and it will be important to take it into account when designing prevention and control strategies. The quality of case investigations should be improved to enhance the quality of surveillance for decision making.

scholarly journals Simplistic policy, skewed consequences: Taking stock of English physical education, school sport and physical activity policy since 2013

2020 ◽  
pp. 1356336X2093911
Author(s):  
Iain Lindsey ◽  
Sarah Metcalfe ◽  
Adam Gemar ◽  
Josie Alderman ◽  
Joe Armstrong
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Policy Design ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
School Sport ◽  
Policy Goals ◽  
Physical Activity Policy ◽  
Health Related

The period from 2013 to 2019 was one of relative continuity in policies for physical education (PE), school sport and physical activity (PESSPA) in England. Starting from the advent of the government’s flagship PE and Sport Premium (PES Premium) initiative in 2013, the end of the period was reached 20 with renewed uncertainty in 2020 about the future of PESSPA policy. It is therefore an appropriate point for this article to ‘take stock’ of PESSPA policies and their consequences since 2013. The political science literature on policy design underpins the approach to considering the mix of both policy goals and those instruments used by governments to achieve them. To do so, a comprehensive set of policy documents, published reports, academic literature and empirical research on schools’ use of the PES Premium was interrogated. Policy goals articulated by government since 2013 reinforced, rather than resolved, long-standing debates about the purpose of PESSPA. Health-related objectives rose in prominence, but sat uneasily alongside continued commitments to competitive sport. Only a narrow range of the policy instruments available to governments were used in pursuit of their policy goals. PES Premium funding was solely distributed to primary schools, with limited use of regulation and information systems to shape PESSPA provision. These aspects of policy design contributed to increasing reliance on external coaches in primary schools and indicators of a decline in secondary school provision and participation, resonant of prioritisation of short-term approaches over longer-term strategic development. Possibilities for improving future PESSPA policies are considered as a result.

The WHO-EC partnership project on empowerment in mental health

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 2101-2101
Author(s):  
A. Baumann
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
National Level ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
World Health ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Regional Office ◽  
Country Level

People with mental health problems and their families have not been involved as equal partners in decision-making processes on mental health services, and they continue to be at risk of social exclusion and discrimination in all facets of life. In a mental health context, empowerment refers to the level of choice, influence and control that users of mental health services can exercise over events in their lives, and the key to empowerment is the removal of formal or informal barriers and the transformation of power relations between individuals, communities, services and governments. Despite all achievements that have been made over the past decade, there is still a strong need for empowerment of people with mental health problems and their families. The World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe and the European Commission started a three years lasting "Partnership Project on Empowerment in Mental Health" in 2008 which aims to support Member States in the European Region in creating societies in which people with mental health problems are enabled to develop and express their full potential as equal citizens. The WHO Statement on Empowerment in Mental Health has been published, about 100 examples of empowerment practice across Europe have been collected, and indicators for empowerment applicable at national level have been identified. The project outcomes and possibilities for their implementation at country level will be presented.

Effect of Nutrition and Physical Activity Training with Mexican Americans

2003 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 176-182
Author(s):  
Debra M. Harris
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Mexican Americans ◽  
Mexican American ◽  
Exercise Habits ◽  
Diet And Exercise ◽  
Health Related Behaviors ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Nutrition And Physical Activity ◽  
Poor Nutrition

Health related behaviors are of concern in the Mexican American community because of the prevalence of disease, such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer. Poor nutrition and a lack of physical activity are behaviors which contribute to these diseases. Training regarding health related behaviors associated with nutrition and physical activity was attended by 11 individuals from low income areas who were Mexican American. Results indicate most did understand the importance of diet and exercise in controlling these diseases. Most were motivated to change their eating and exercise habits as a result of the training they attended. / Comportamientos relacionados con la salud son de gran preocupación en la comunidad Mexicana por la alta ocurrencia de enfermedades como diabetes, hipertensión y cáncer. Pobre nutrición y la falta de actividad física son ejemplos de comportamientos responsables por estas enfermedades. Once individuos de áreas de bajo ingreso que eran Mexicano Americanos atendieron un entrenamiento referente a comportamientos relacionados con la salud que son asociados con la nutrición y actividad física. Los resultados indican que la mayoría entendieron la importancia de la dieta y ejercicios para controlar estas enfermedades. La mayoría de ellos fueron motivados a cambiar sus hábitos de comer y ejercicios como resultado del entrenamiento que asistieron.

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