scholarly journals A REVIEW OF HEALTH BEHAVIOUR DYNAMICS IN AYURVEDA

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1831-1838
Author(s):  
Dileep. G. L ◽  
Jishnu. R ◽  
Athri. S. S

Health behaviour was essentially a part of sociology. It has now evolved as an individual branch focusing on hu- man therapeutic care. The human behaviour or actions that have a definite impact on his health is named health behaviour. Those which complements one's health are known as positive health behaviours. The negative/altered health behaviour is considered one of the major causative factors for diseases. Alterations from the ideal health behaviour (misdeeds) are due to the wrong psychotic process. These unhealthy behaviours are usually focused on few factors like food, physical activities, sleep, sex and substance use. The positive, as well as negative impacts of behaviour on health, should be understood as part of sociology about psychology, medicine and ethics. In ancient literature, there were such descriptions of health behaviour in the form of do’s and don’ts or taboos. Ayurveda considers misdeeds (prajnaparadha) as the root cause of diseases. They are happening by an unsuitable psychotic process like ignorance (unawareness), lack of control/thinking over actions or lack of remembrance. This work attempts to list out the health behaviours mentioned in Ayurveda. The ways to abstain from such misdeeds are also disclosed here. Keywords: health behaviour, Prajnaparadha

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Goodman ◽  
Ethna McFerran ◽  
Richard Purves ◽  
Ian Redpath ◽  
Rebecca J Beeken

UNSTRUCTURED Video gamers are a population at heightened risk of developing obesity due to the sedentary nature of gaming, increased energy intake and the disruption caused to their sleep. This increases their risk of developing a number of non-communicable diseases. To date, research seeking to improve health behaviours has focussed on developing novel video games to promote behaviour change. Although positive results have emerged from this research, the success has been limited due to the lack of transferability to more mainstream games and the focus on children and adolescents. However, the gaming community has a number of unique aspects which, in comparison to the development of new video games, have received less attention. Research has found that advertising can have implicit effects on individual’s memories which could influence their later decisions. Yet the effect of the exponential growth of in-game advertisements, and brand sponsorship of gaming events and professional gamers, has not been explored in the gaming community. Nor has the possibility of using advertising techniques to encourage positive health behaviours within games or at these events. Research suggests that virtual communities can be effective at disseminating health information, but the efficacy of this needs to be explored utilising known community influencers within the gaming community. The purpose of this paper is to highlight these under-researched areas that have the potential to encourage positive health behaviour among this community.


Author(s):  
Nickola D. Pallin ◽  
Rebecca J. Beeken ◽  
Kathy Pritchard Jones ◽  
Nick Woznitza ◽  
Abigail Fisher

Abstract Therapeutic radiographers (TRs) are well-placed to deliver advice to cancer patients; however, limited research exists on their practices in providing advice on healthy lifestyle behaviours. Through an online survey, this study aimed to explore TRs’ current practices, barriers, and facilitators around delivering healthy behaviour advice to cancer patients. An online survey was sent to 72 radiotherapy departments in the UK and 583 TRs responded to the survey. Findings showed that levels of enquiry and provision of advice on healthy behaviours were low, with less than 25% advising patients on physical activity, healthy eating, weight management, smoking cessation, and reducing alcohol intake as standard practice. Lack of knowledge, resources, and training were identified as barriers, in addition to perceived lack of patient interest and lack of time. TRs reported a strong desire to undergo training to enable them to deliver health behaviour advice to patients, with an identified preference for online training. Cancer patients look to healthcare professionals for advice on health behaviours, and TRs are well-placed to deliver this advice. The findings of this study provide insight into the areas that need addressing to enable TRs to support positive health behaviours among cancer patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 919-924 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leena T Paakkari ◽  
Minna P Torppa ◽  
Olli-Pekka Paakkari ◽  
Raili S Välimaa ◽  
Kristiina S A Ojala ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The concept of health literacy (HL) may help us to better understand the mechanisms leading to health disparities, and to focus on the factors that can be influenced. However, not much is yet known about how HL is related to health disparities, or whether the association exists among adolescents. The aim of the study was to examine the associations between structural stratifiers, HL and health indicators among adolescents. Methods The nationally representative Finnish Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey data (n=3833) were collected from 13- and 15-year-old pupils in the spring of 2014. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated, and separate path models were estimated for the perceived health and health behaviour measures. Results HL was found to be an independent factor explaining disparities in health. Higher HL was related to positive health outcomes. HL also acted as a mediator between health behaviours and structural stratifiers, except for gender. School achievement and educational aspirations were among the factors explaining the HL level, which in turn, explained the health indicators. Conclusion The concept of HL is of use in understanding health disparities. In particular, HL provides a mechanism via which school achievement and educational plans affect health outcomes. Low HL places adolescents who have poor school achievement and who do not intend to continue on an academic path in an unequal position with respect to their health.


1996 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helgo Schomer ◽  
Sarah Wadlow ◽  
Tim Dunne

This study was undertaken to assess the impact of a persuasively presented academic course in Health Psychology on students' health behaviour. Ninety-eight students attending a third-year optional course in Health Psychology at the University of Cape Town volunteered to participate in the study. The students completed a self-report Lifestyle Evaluation Questionnaire (LEQ) at the beginning of the six-week course, at the completion of the course and at an eight-month follow-up. A Lifestyie Beliefs Questionnaire (LBQ) based on the Health Belief Model was also filled out at the follow-up date. The results showed a statistically significant change in the exercise health behaviour, improving as the study progressed. LEQ factors of food and care improved significantly from the beginning to the completion of the course, with the care factor also maintaining a significant change from beginning to follow-up. Analysis of the LBQ indicated that the benefits component predicted exercise and drug use, the barriers component predicted exercise behaviour, and the susceptibility component predicted drug use. It was concluded that persuasive communication had a motivating effect on young, healthy adults to practise positive health behaviours.


2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris Lesser ◽  
Erin McGowan ◽  
Lisa Belanger

Abstract Purpose Cancer survivors often lack the knowledge and skills to return to positive health behaviors following a cancer diagnosis. The use of retreats may be an ideal environment for cancer survivors to learn about health behaviours while receiving social support from other survivors. Methods Knights Cabin Cancer Retreats was created as a charitable organization in 2014 and is at no cost to participants or their supporters. Elements of the retreat include guided hikes, yoga, classes on nutrition, stress, mindfulness and sleep management techniques, all with a focus on the evidence based theories of behavioral change. Results Ten retreats have been hosted across Canada to date with 137 cancer survivors and their supporters. Survivors reported that their top learning outcomes from the retreat were physical activity/nutrition and behavioral change/habit development. Conclusion Knight’s Cabin Cancer retreats are unique in their programming with a format of health education that allows for emotional support and engagement with other cancer survivors in a therapeutically natural environment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayah M. Barakat ◽  
Zeinab A. Kasemy

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading rapidly in the world, and on 11 March 2020, WHO announced the outbreak a global pandemic. Given the severity of this major outbreak and the importance of prevention and protection against the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the predictors of engaging in the preventive behaviours could potentially be of great practical importance as it could help us identify high-risk groups and take the necessary steps towards improving their health behaviour. As the health behavioural response of the Egyptian population during COVID-19 is unknown and the health belief model constructs can be used to explain health behaviour, this study was conducted to assess the preventive behaviours to COVID-19 and the associated role of health belief model constructs over three periods of time; at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic then 4 weeks and10 weeks later. Results Perceived severity and benefits of health belief model constructs showed significant decrease in the 2nd interview, followed by an increase in the 3rd interview (P < 0.001). Perceived barriers showed a significant increase in the 2nd interview followed by a significant decrease in the 3rd interview (P < 0.001). Knowledge score was significantly lower at the start, then a surge happened in the next interview followed by a slight drop in the 3rd interview (P < 0.001). Preventive behaviours were significantly lower in the 2nd interview then significantly higher in the 3rd interview (P < 0.001). On the analysis of the factors associated with preventive behaviours using multivariate regression, the results determined age, high education, being a health care worker, perceived susceptibility, benefits, barriers and self-efficacy. Conclusions Perceptions of benefits could be increased by tailoring communication strategies to various groups, emphasizing how different people can engage in effective preventive behaviours. Policy makers should pay attention to lower-educated persons living in rural areas being a group with the least engagement in health-protective actions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria E. Bleil ◽  
Bradley M. Appelhans ◽  
Alexis S. Thomas ◽  
Steven E. Gregorich ◽  
Neal Marquez ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis unprecedented in its size and scope. Yet studies of resilience suggest most individuals will successfully negotiate this challenge and some may even experience growth and positive change. Some evidence suggests that the capacity to enact positive change in the face of adversity may be shaped by early life experiences. Methods In a subset of 374 participants (57% female, mean age = 29 years) in the Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD), a longitudinal, birth cohort, prospective models were tested to determine whether early life adversities in family and neighborhood contexts predict positive change events in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Childhood family and neighborhood contexts were assessed using a combination of self-report questionnaires and US Census data. Adulthood positive change events (e.g., becoming more appreciative of things usually taken for granted) were assessed using the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory (EPII). Results In regression analyses, neighborhood disadvantage in childhood, measured both by objective and subjective assessments, predicted a higher number of positive change events in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (β = .18, p = .004 and β = .15, p = .006, respectively). Examination of the positive change event subscales showed neighborhood disadvantage in childhood predicted increases in events related to ‘perspective taking and charitable giving’ (β = .20, p = .022 and β = .17, p = .002, respectively) and improved ‘social relationships’ (β = .18, p = .004 and β = .13, p = .020, respectively), but not to positive ‘health behaviors’ (ps > .05). All associations were independent of sociodemographic factors and childhood family dysfunction. Conclusions Findings suggest that neighborhood disadvantage in childhood may shape prosocial responses to stress in adulthood, potentially through early life adaptions to stress that are protective when facing adversity. There are several notable implications of the study findings. Although adversity in early life has clear negative impacts, it is possible that adversity experiences may also provide opportunities to develop adaptive strategies that foster resilience and growth when facing stress. Intervention efforts should consider leveraging such stress-adapted strengths to reduce the many negative impacts of early life adversity.


Author(s):  
Tejaswini Katare ◽  
Disha Sharma ◽  
Ganesh Puradkar ◽  
Arun Dudhamal

Aam is an important concept described by Ayurvedic Acharyas which is responsible for many diseases. According to Ayurvedic point of view, all diseases are originated from aamdosh, vitiation of Agni i.e malfunction of Agni produces Aam. Aam is unripe, undigested food which is caused due to Agnimandya. Agnimandya produces aam and viceversa. We all know that all diseases are caused due to Agnimandya. Therefore as agnimandya and aam are the causative factors of each other, aam is the root cause of all diseases. Hence aam and agnimandya plays an important role in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Nowadays due to lack of exercise, unhygienic and unhealthy diet, incapability to obey the rules of sound body maintenance and increasing pollution results in agnimandya and aam production in the body and decrease in immunity resulting into various diseases. The concept of aam is the most important fundamental principal of Ayurveda in understanding the physio- pathology of the disease.


2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-16
Author(s):  
Ruslan V. Tekliuk ◽  
Ihor V. Serheta ◽  
Oksana A. Serebrennikova

Introduction: Both positive and risky health behaviours among adolescents are of paramount importance as they often pathway further lifestyles and determine future health outcomes. The paper focuses on the trends of health promotion activities and health risks among adolescents who have been instructed on these topics at secondary schools. The aim: to detect trends in pro-active health behaviour and risk taking activities of Ukrainian adolescents in the last 14 years. Materials and methods: males and females, aged 15-17, who studied in secondary schools of the urban area of Vinnytsia city, Ukraine, in the years 2003, 2013, 2017, anonymously filled in the 118-item questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Cochran Q test, Spearman correlation analysis, Kendall’s tau coefficient were used to analyze the data. Results: Overall, the data about health related issues obtained in the year 2003 vary significantly from the years 2013 and 2017, which indicates some beneficial influence that has taken place since 2003. Much fewer differences were spotted between the years 2013 and 2017. Health related behaviours in females showed less significant dynamics and some changes indicate regression, while males reported multiple improved results. Meanwhile actual numbers of males who opted for risky behaviours were higher than those of females. Significant relationships were found between some socio-economic factors, positive health behaviours (sufficient sleep, physical activity, daily regime, and life satisfaction) and proactive health choices. Conclusions: The available data suggests that there was a beneficial health-related influence on the schoolchildren over the years 2003-2017. Our findings also support the view that certain assets may protect the youth from risk-taking behaviours.


Author(s):  
Foteini Tseliou ◽  
Mark Atkinson ◽  
Shantini Paranjothy ◽  
Pauline Ashfield-Watt

Background Informal caregiving has become an integral part of many societies, however there is increasing concern about the well-being of carers and how they manage their care-related responsibilities in conjunction with their health and mental health. Previous studies have reported mixed results with some proposing that carers are intrinsically healthier. Aims To explore the association between different levels of caregiving and health behaviours and mental health status. Methods Data were collected through HealthWise Wales (HWW) and linked to healthcare records (N=27,455). These included self-reported data on level of caring responsibilities (0;1-19;20-49;50+ hours per week), whether or not they left employment due to their caring role, mental health using the short Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5) and health behaviour data on smoking status, physical activity and dietary habits. Data on current diagnosis of Anxiety and Depression were drawn from linked healthcare records. Separate logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender and socio-economic status were fitted to assess the association between intensity of caring responsibility and each mental health and health behaviour outcome. Results Of the 14,451 HWW participants who had complete records, 3,856 (26.7%) reported being an informal carer. Intense carers (20-49 hours per week) were more likely to be physically inactive (OR:1.27, 95%CI:1.04-1.56), smoke cigarettes (OR:1.49, 95%CI:1.11-2.00) and eat unhealthily (OR:1.48, 95%CI:1.13-1.93). They were more also likely to self-report (OR:1.87, 95%CI:1.51-2.32) or have a diagnosis of depression or anxiety (OR:1.57, 95%CI:1.26-1.97). Other levels of caregiving intensity also demonstrated the above associations. Carers who had given up work to care were more likely to be smokers and have common mental disorders. Conclusion Being an informal carer is associated with unhealthy behaviours and common mental disorders, with a gradient effect dependent on the level of caregiving activity. New interventions that can support carers to improve their health and wellbeing are urgently needed.


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