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Wellness and Health Promotion
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Wellness and Health Promotion

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2020) | Viewed by 73736

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Hadii M. Mamudu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Health Services Management and Policy, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
Interests: tobacco use and control; public health; global health governance; global tobacco control; health policy; cardiovascular health management; patient-center outcomes research/comparative effectiveness research
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Donley Studlar

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
Interests: comparative public policy; public health; tobacco use and control; alcohol; obesity; and reproductive health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are organizing a Special Issue on Wellness and Health Promotion in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH). The venue is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes articles and communications in the interdisciplinary area of public health. For detailed information on the journal, we refer you to https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph.

Since the Alma-Ata Declaration of 1978 identified primary health care as essential to Health for All, wellness and health promotion have become central to preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting physical, mental, and social well-being, which defines public health. Chronic or noncommunicable diseases have emerged as the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, accounting for over two-thirds of global deaths. In countries throughout the world, these diseases have rapidly emerged as a leading public health issue. Central to addressing these public health issues are wellness and health promotion that emphasizes transformation in lifestyle (e.g., smoking, diet, exercise, etc.), structural changes (macro-economy, poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, cultural practices, built environment, etc.), community adjustments (e.g., social cohesion, crime rate, locale, etc.), and developing policies and programs. These issues impact health behaviors and outcomes, including chronic and infectious ones. Therefore, research in these areas can serve to increase understanding of the linkages between chronic or noncommunicable diseases, facilitate health education and promotion, and inform initiatives that bolster the development of policies and programs for wellbeing and health promotion across the world.

This Special Issue is open to any subject area related to the issues of wellness and health promotion as they relate to individuals’ health outcomes or public health, from conceptual/theoretical to practice and program development. The listed keywords suggest just a few of the many possibilities.

Assoc. Prof. Hadii M. Mamudu
Prof. Dr. Donley Studlar
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Health promotion
  • Wellness
  • Public health
  • Chronic diseases
  • Noncommunicable diseases
  • Health for all
  • Lifestyle
  • Structural issues
  • Health policies
  • Health programs
  • Health education and research
  • Mental health
  • Socioemotional health
  • Social determinants of health

Published Papers (17 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 540 KiB  
Article
“Study Natural” without Drugs: An Exploratory Study of Theory-Guided and Tailored Health Campaign Interventions to Prevent Nonmedical Use of Prescription Stimulants in College Students
by Zhaohui Su, Michael Mackert, Xiaoshan Li, Jiyoon (Karen) Han, Brittani Crook and Benjamin Wyeth
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(12), 4421; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124421 - 19 Jun 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3348
Abstract
Nonmedical use of prescription stimulants (NMUPS) among college students continues to rise. While some anti-NMUPS campaigns are available, little is known about the campaign development process and how well college students evaluate these messages. To bridge this gap, we developed theory-guided anti-NMUPS campaign [...] Read more.
Nonmedical use of prescription stimulants (NMUPS) among college students continues to rise. While some anti-NMUPS campaigns are available, little is known about the campaign development process and how well college students evaluate these messages. To bridge this gap, we developed theory-guided anti-NMUPS campaign interventions that are tailored to college students’ characteristics and evaluated students’ response towards them. A total of 445 college students (74.4% female; Meanage of 20; 18 to 35 years old) reviewed the campaign interventions and offered their evaluation via an online survey. Findings indicate that students responded to the campaigns positively. Results also indicate that female students are more likely to perceive the campaigns as effective than their male counterparts. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that theory-guided and tailored anti-NMUPS campaigns have great potential in changing students’ attitudes and behavior towards NMUPS. While this study fills critical gaps in the literature, considering the progress needed to strengthen the research field, more research is needed to further identify effective strategies that could prevent college students’ participation in NMUPS activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Health Promotion)
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16 pages, 304 KiB  
Article
Governing Noncommunicable Diseases Through Political Rationality and Technologies of Government: A Discourse Analysis
by Joshua S. Yang, Hadii M. Mamudu and Timothy K. Mackey
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(12), 4413; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124413 - 19 Jun 2020
Viewed by 2758
Abstract
In the last two decades, global action to address noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has accelerated, but policy adoption and implementation at the national level has been inadequate. This analysis examines the role of rationalities of governing, or governmentality, in national-level adoption of global [...] Read more.
In the last two decades, global action to address noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) has accelerated, but policy adoption and implementation at the national level has been inadequate. This analysis examines the role of rationalities of governing, or governmentality, in national-level adoption of global recommendations. Critical discourse analysis was conducted using 49 formal institutional and organizational documents obtained through snowball sampling methodology. Text were coded using a framework of five forms of governmentality and analyzed to describe the order of discourse which has emerged within the global NCD policy domain. The dominant political rationality used to frame NCDs is rooted in risk governmentality. Recommendations for tobacco control and prevention of harmful alcohol use rely on a governmentality of police mixed with discipline. The promotion of physical activity relies heavily on disciplinary governmentality, and the prevention of unhealthy diet mixed disciplinary measures, discipline, and neoliberal governmentalities. To translate global NCD prevention and control strategies to national action, acceptability for the political rationalities embodied in policy options must be nurtured as new norms, procedures, and institutions appropriate to the political rationalities of specific interventions are developed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Health Promotion)
20 pages, 330 KiB  
Article
Exploring Behavioral Readiness and Program Strategies to Engage Older Community Residents in Advance Care Planning: A Pilot Mixed-Method Study in Taiwan
by Hsin-Lung Chan, In-Fun Li, Ling-Chun Tseng and Yvonne Hsiung
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(12), 4285; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124285 - 16 Jun 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2770
Abstract
Taiwan was the first Asian country to endorse patient autonomy, and advance care planning (ACP) has been highly promoted to improve quality of end-of-life (EOL). A mixed-methods pilot survey was conducted in northwestern Taiwan to investigate older community-dwelling residents’ (N = 52) ACP [...] Read more.
Taiwan was the first Asian country to endorse patient autonomy, and advance care planning (ACP) has been highly promoted to improve quality of end-of-life (EOL). A mixed-methods pilot survey was conducted in northwestern Taiwan to investigate older community-dwelling residents’ (N = 52) ACP behavioral engagement, socio-demographical correlates, and their preferred intervention strategies. An interview subset (25%, N = 13) was purposely chosen for in-depth feedback and rationales behind their ACP decision-making. Rich information was obtained about perceived facilitators and inhibitors to initiate ACP and preferred intervention strategies in ACP programs. Consistent with previous literature, carefully designed ACP programs that incorporated family decision-making and met older subjects’ multiple needs would increase program acceptability and foster ACP engagement among older Taiwanese in the community setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Health Promotion)
13 pages, 325 KiB  
Article
Why People Do Not Attend Health Screenings: Factors That Influence Willingness to Participate in Health Screenings for Chronic Diseases
by Shih-Ying Chien, Ming-Chuen Chuang and I-Ping Chen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(10), 3495; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103495 - 17 May 2020
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5711
Abstract
Background: Chronic diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and preventative screenings are the most effective way to reduce the risk of developing a chronic disease. However, many individuals do not take advantage of preventative screening services for chronic diseases, [...] Read more.
Background: Chronic diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and preventative screenings are the most effective way to reduce the risk of developing a chronic disease. However, many individuals do not take advantage of preventative screening services for chronic diseases, especially in rural areas. In this study, we investigated (1) the factors that affect people’s willingness to participate in chronic disease screenings and (2) reasons why people have not undergone screening for a chronic disease in the past. Methods: Study participants (aged 30–65 of years age; n = 204) included individuals from four areas in northern of Taiwan that are considered to have a high chronic disease risk. To identify factors that influence willingness to attend health screenings, data were collected by questionnaire. Results: Over 50% of participants (58.33%; n = 119) indicated that they were unaware of community-based screenings for chronic diseases offered by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, which is one of the top-rated medical centers in Taiwan. Factors that increase willingness to participate in health screenings for chronic diseases include: (1) the convenience of screening site locations; (2) affordability; and (3) other considerations related to healthcare providers and diagnostic facilities (e.g., reputation, degree of modernization, etc.). Conversely, factors that reduce willingness to participate in health screenings include: (1) a belief that one was currently healthy; (2) lack of time; (3) a belief that screening procedures were too complicated to understand; (4) physical pain or negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, embarrassment, pain, and discomfort and, (5) having had a negative experience during a previous health checkup. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that health attitudes, sociodemographic factors, and other motivating and preventative factors affect peoples’ willingness to participate in health screenings. The motivating factors and barriers for people to participate in health screening for chronic diseases are very heterogeneous. However, understanding the barriers and motivating factors to health screening would mean that interventions with the purpose of decreasing people’s health risks and reducing deaths and disabilities caused by a chronic illness could be implemented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Health Promotion)
16 pages, 2306 KiB  
Article
A Qualitative Study to Explore Perception of Impacts of Preemption of Tobacco Regulation on Counties in Appalachian Tennessee
by Hadii M. Mamudu, Fenose Osedeme, Crystal Robertson, Mary Ann Littleton, Daniel Owusu, Liang Wang and Donley T. Studlar
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(9), 3230; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17093230 - 6 May 2020
Viewed by 2850
Abstract
Bottom-up processes, starting at the local government level, are valuable for more-stringent tobacco control measures. The existence of industry-backed state-level tobacco control preemption in states has impeded policy progress within the state and localities/communities. A national public health goal under Healthy People 2020 [...] Read more.
Bottom-up processes, starting at the local government level, are valuable for more-stringent tobacco control measures. The existence of industry-backed state-level tobacco control preemption in states has impeded policy progress within the state and localities/communities. A national public health goal under Healthy People 2020 is to eliminate state-level preemption across the United States. This study explored individual-level perceptions of the impact of state-level preemption in Appalachian Tennessee—a high-smoking, low-income region. During 2015–2016, a community-engagement project to develop a Population Health Improvement Plan (PHIP) involving over 200 stakeholders and 90 organizations was conducted in Appalachian Tennessee to identify policies/programs to address tobacco use. Using a multifaceted framework approach that focused on prevention, protection, and cessation, interviews and meeting discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed. Content analysis using NVivo 11 was conducted to generate themes. Although the central focus of the PHIP was not preemption, the issue emerged naturally in the discussions as a major concern among participants. Cultural and normative factors in Appalachian Tennessee were identified as key rationales for participants’ aversion to state preemption. Thus, repealing preemption would facilitate culturally tailored and region-specific policies/programs to the high tobacco use among Appalachian Tennessee communities where statewide/nationwide policies/programs have not had the intended impacts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Health Promotion)
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12 pages, 636 KiB  
Article
Emerging from the Shadows: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Facing Community Health Workers in Western Cape, South Africa
by Wilson Majee, Laura Schopp, Levona Johnson, Adaobi Anakwe, Anthea Rhoda and Jose Frantz
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(9), 3199; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17093199 - 4 May 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4267
Abstract
Community health workers (CHWs) have been identified as a key component of the health workforce in South Africa. However, the efficacy of CHW programs continues to be limited by a poor understanding of facilitators and barriers to CHW engagement. This study explores intrinsic [...] Read more.
Community health workers (CHWs) have been identified as a key component of the health workforce in South Africa. However, the efficacy of CHW programs continues to be limited by a poor understanding of facilitators and barriers to CHW engagement. This study explores intrinsic and extrinsic factors that CHWs face. We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 CHWs in order to understand the challenges they may face as they implement their duties linked to the primary health care strategy in the Western Cape, South Africa. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, coded and analyzed using NVivo 12. Drawing on narratives of CHWs, we illustrate the complex issues surrounding CHW outreach in poor rural communities. The CHWs identified five key areas of challenges with respect to personal health, gender issues, poor community understanding of CHWs roles, environmental challenges and lack of patient adherence. These all hinder the ability of CHWs to meet their personal and familial needs, as well as those of the community members they support. There is a need to address the intrinsic needs of CHWs in order to ensure their emotional and physical well-being, as well as a need to create an awareness of the roles of CHWs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Health Promotion)
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11 pages, 641 KiB  
Article
Validity and Reliability of the Newly Developed Malay-Language Health Belief of Bloating (HB-Bloat) Scale
by Nurzulaikha Abdullah, Yee Cheng Kueh, Garry Kuan, Mung Seong Wong, Fatan Hamamah Yahaya and Yeong Yeh Lee
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(8), 2773; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082773 - 17 Apr 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2792
Abstract
Abdominal bloating (AB), a common complaint that affects quality of life and disturbs psychological well-being, is largely a behavioral-driven disorder. We aimed to develop and validate a new health belief of bloating (HB-Bloat) scale in the Malay language. The initial item pool was [...] Read more.
Abdominal bloating (AB), a common complaint that affects quality of life and disturbs psychological well-being, is largely a behavioral-driven disorder. We aimed to develop and validate a new health belief of bloating (HB-Bloat) scale in the Malay language. The initial item pool was developed based on the theory of planned behavior, empirical literatures, expert review and in-depth interviews. Using the population with bloating (diagnosed based on the Rome IV criteria and pictogram), exploratory and confirmatory factor analytical approaches (EFA and CFA, respectively) were utilized to explore and confirm the domains in the new scale. There were 150 and 323 respondents in the EFA and CFA, respectively. There were 45 items in the initial scale, but it was reduced to 32 items after content validity and pre-testing. In EFA, 17 items with three (3) structure factors (attitude 4 items, subjective norm 7 items, and perceived behavior control 6 items) were identified. Total variance explained by the EFA model was 40.92%. The Cronbach alpha of the three (3) factors ranged from 0.61 to 0.79. With CFA, the three factors model was further tested. Five problematic items were identified and removed. The final measurement model fit the data well (root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA (90% CI) = 0.054 (0.038, 0.070), Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.941, Tucker–Lewis Fit Index (TLI) = 0.924, and standardized root mean squared residual (SRMR) = 0.044). The construct reliability of the final measurement model ranged from 0.76 to 0.84. As a conclusion, the new HB-Bloat scale is a valid and reliable tool for assessment of health beliefs in bloating. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Health Promotion)
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15 pages, 1191 KiB  
Article
The Mediational Role of Burden and Perceived Stress in Subjective Memory Complaints in Informal Cancer Caregivers
by Marta Ramos-Campos, Rosa Redolat and Patricia Mesa-Gresa
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2190; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072190 - 25 Mar 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2737
Abstract
The role of informal caregiver of cancer patients is considered a situation of chronic stress that could have impact on cognitive functioning. Our aim was to evaluate differences in perceived stress, subjective memory complaints, self-esteem, and resilience between caregivers and non-caregivers, as well [...] Read more.
The role of informal caregiver of cancer patients is considered a situation of chronic stress that could have impact on cognitive functioning. Our aim was to evaluate differences in perceived stress, subjective memory complaints, self-esteem, and resilience between caregivers and non-caregivers, as well as the possible mediational role of burden in caregivers. The sample was composed of 60 participants divided into two groups: (1) Primary informal caregivers of a relative with cancer (CCG) (n = 34); and (2) non-caregiver control subjects (Non-CG) (n = 26). All participants were evaluated through a battery of tests: Socio-demographic questionnaire, subjective memory complaints questionnaire (MFE-30), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, resilience (CD-RISC-10), and perceived stress scale (PSS). The CCG group also completed the Zarit burden interview. Results indicated that CCG displayed higher scores than Non-CG in MFE-30 (p = 0.000) and PSS (p = 0.005). In the CCG group, Pearson correlations indicated that PSS showed a negative relationship with resilience (p = 0.000) and self-esteem (p = 0.002) and positive correlation with caregiver’s burden (p = 0.015). In conclusion, CCG displayed higher number of subjective memory complaints and higher perceived stress than Non-CG, whereas no significant differences were obtained on self-esteem and resilience. These results could aid in designing new intervention strategies aimed to diminish stress, burden, or cognitive effects in informal caregivers of cancer patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Health Promotion)
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10 pages, 428 KiB  
Article
Protective Factors in Resilient Volunteers Facing Compassion Fatigue
by Rosaura Gonzalez-Mendez, Matilde Díaz, Laura Aguilera, Julia Correderas and Yanira Jerez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(5), 1769; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17051769 - 9 Mar 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4931
Abstract
Volunteers may be exposed to the negative consequences of dealing with human suffering, such as compassion fatigue. However, very little is known about the protective factors that contribute to their resilience. The aim of this study was to analyze the extent to which [...] Read more.
Volunteers may be exposed to the negative consequences of dealing with human suffering, such as compassion fatigue. However, very little is known about the protective factors that contribute to their resilience. The aim of this study was to analyze the extent to which different strengths (psychological endurance, purpose, and social support), orientations to happiness, and compassion satisfaction predict volunteers’ resilient outcomes (subjective well-being and post-traumatic growth) and compassion fatigue. Participants were 116 Spanish Red Cross volunteers (77.8% women). They were separately classified into three groups (low, medium, and high) according to the 33rd and 66th percentile scores on each resilient outcome. Univariate analyses of variance and post-hoc comparisons computed separately showed significant differences in most factors analyzed, except compassion fatigue. Logistic regressions revealed that endurance, organization support, and eudaimonia allowed for the correct classification of 83.3% of those high in post-traumatic growth (82.2% of the true-positives and 84.4% of the true-negatives). In addition to endurance and organization support, purpose was the strongest predictor of well-being (85.7% were correctly classified, 82.8% of the true-negatives and 88.2% of the true-positives). Finally, lower endurance predicted compassion fatigue (65.7% and 61.3% of the true-negatives and 69.4% of the true-positives). Findings indicate ways to promote resilience among volunteers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Health Promotion)
17 pages, 780 KiB  
Article
Motivation to Donate, Job Crafting, and Organizational Citizenship Behavior in Blood Collection Volunteers in Non-Profit Organizations
by Marcello Nonnis, Davide Massidda, Claudio Cabiddu, Stefania Cuccu, Maria Luisa Pedditzi and Claudio Giovanni Cortese
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(3), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17030934 - 3 Feb 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3674
Abstract
This study assesses the levels of and relationships between the Motivation to donate, Job crafting propensity, and the Organizational citizenship behavior of blood collection volunteers in a non-profit association. An Italian sample of AVIS (the Italian Association of Voluntary Blood donors) blood donors [...] Read more.
This study assesses the levels of and relationships between the Motivation to donate, Job crafting propensity, and the Organizational citizenship behavior of blood collection volunteers in a non-profit association. An Italian sample of AVIS (the Italian Association of Voluntary Blood donors) blood donors (N = 1215) actively involved in organizing blood collection, were asked to complete the Italian version of the Volunteer Function Index, the Job crafting scale, and the Organizational citizenship behavior scale. The tools were verified by Confirmatory factor analysis and their relationships were explored using Structural equation modeling for hidden variables. The three constructs have overall high scores. Motivation to donate and Job crafting show a clear correlation, with the latter influencing volunteer Organizational citizenship behavior. The study highlights the need to take into consideration the Motivation to donate, Job crafting and Organizational citizenship behavior of volunteers, particularly in countries such as Italy, where blood collection is almost exclusively carried out thanks to spontaneous, altruistic, and disinterested commitment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Health Promotion)
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16 pages, 309 KiB  
Article
Body Image and the Double Burden of Nutrition among South Africans from Diverse Sociodemographic Backgrounds: SANHANES-1
by Zandile June-Rose Mchiza, Whadi-ah Parker, Ronel Sewpaul, Sunday Olawale Onagbiye and Demetre Labadarios
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(3), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17030887 - 31 Jan 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2179
Abstract
This study investigated the associations between underweight, obesity and body image (BI) among 15+ year-old South Africans with diverse socio-demographic backgrounds. A cross-sectional survey and the analyses of data for 6411 15+ year-old participants in the first South African National Health and Nutrition [...] Read more.
This study investigated the associations between underweight, obesity and body image (BI) among 15+ year-old South Africans with diverse socio-demographic backgrounds. A cross-sectional survey and the analyses of data for 6411 15+ year-old participants in the first South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was undertaken. Body image was compared to body mass index (BMI) and socio-demography. Data were analyzed using SPSS versions 25. Results are in percentages, means, 95% confidence intervals, p-values, and odds ratios. Overall, participants who were obese of which majority: were females, earned ZAR 9601+, completed grade 6, were non-Black men, were married and resided in urban formal areas, were more likely to underestimate their BMI and desire to be lighter. Participants who were underweight of which majority: were males, had no form of income or education, were black men, were not married, resided in less urban and farm areas, were younger than 25 years, were more likely to overestimate their BMI and desire to be heavier. While underweight and obesity were strong determinants of BI, BI was differentiated by socio-demography. These findings have a public health implication that requires special attention to curb the irrepressible underweight and obesity in South Africa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Health Promotion)
11 pages, 749 KiB  
Article
Health Risk Assessment Indicators for the Left-Behind Elderly in Rural China: A Delphi Study
by Ruzhen Luo, Chunmei Zhang and Yanhui Liu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(1), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010340 - 3 Jan 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2863
Abstract
In China, many young and middle-aged rural residents move to urban areas each year. The rural elderly are left behind. The number of the rural left-behind elderly is increasing with urbanization, but it is unclear which indicators can be used to assess their [...] Read more.
In China, many young and middle-aged rural residents move to urban areas each year. The rural elderly are left behind. The number of the rural left-behind elderly is increasing with urbanization, but it is unclear which indicators can be used to assess their health condition. The health risk assessment index system was developed to improve the health level of the rural left-behind elderly. A two-round web-based Delphi process was used to organize the recommendations from fifteen Chinese experts in geriatrics, health management, social psychology who participated in this study. Meaningfulness, importance, modifiability, and comprehensive value of the health risk assessment indicators in the index system were evaluated. The effective recovery rates of the two-round Delphi were 86.67% and 92.31%, respectively. The judgement coefficient and the authority coefficient were 0.87 and 0.82, respectively. The expert familiarity was 0.76. Ultimately, the health risk assessment index system for the rural left-behind elderly consisted of five first-level indicators, thirteen second-level indicators, and sixty-six third-level indicators. The final indicators can be used to evaluate the health of the rural left-behind elderly and provide the basis for additional health risk interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Health Promotion)
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15 pages, 1021 KiB  
Article
Willingness to Self-Isolate When Facing a Pandemic Risk: Model, Empirical Test, and Policy Recommendations
by Xiaojun Zhang, Fanfan Wang, Changwen Zhu and Zhiqiang Wang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(1), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010197 - 27 Dec 2019
Cited by 59 | Viewed by 7094
Abstract
Infected people are isolated to minimize the spread of pandemic diseases. Therefore, the factors related to self-isolation (SI) should not be neglected, and it is important to investigate the factors leading the infected (or possibly infected) people to choose to self-isolate. In this [...] Read more.
Infected people are isolated to minimize the spread of pandemic diseases. Therefore, the factors related to self-isolation (SI) should not be neglected, and it is important to investigate the factors leading the infected (or possibly infected) people to choose to self-isolate. In this paper, we tried to show that the theory of planned behavior provides a useful conceptual framework for SI when facing a pandemic risk, and a regression method with Chinese provincial (Guangdong Province) data was applied to investigate how attitude (ATT), subjective norms (SN), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) influence SI when facing a pandemic emergency. The results and the robustness tests confirm that ATT, SN, and PBC have a significant positive influence on SI when facing a pandemic emergency. ATT plays the most important role, followed by SN and then PBC. Based on the factors of SI, we found, through theoretical and empirical analyses, at least three important aspects that local governments need to consider to encourage citizens to self-isolate when facing a pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Health Promotion)
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15 pages, 1166 KiB  
Article
Green Worship: The Effects of Devotional and Behavioral Factors on Adopting Electronic Incense Products in Religious Practices
by Zhenzhen Qin, Yao Song and Yang Jin
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(19), 3618; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16193618 - 26 Sep 2019
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4168
Abstract
The Buddhist tradition of incense burning has been practiced in many Asian countries. Prior studies have indicated that frequent exposure to incense smoke is linked to carcinogen-related health issues. However, widespread acceptance of health-friendly electronic incense and rituals remains limited. Based on theories [...] Read more.
The Buddhist tradition of incense burning has been practiced in many Asian countries. Prior studies have indicated that frequent exposure to incense smoke is linked to carcinogen-related health issues. However, widespread acceptance of health-friendly electronic incense and rituals remains limited. Based on theories of religious perceptions and health behavior, the present study aims to identify the factors which influence the acceptance of electronic incense burning in religious practices. A between-subjects (105 Buddhist participants) experiment was designed to compare the effects of different incense burners on religiosity, worship intention, perceived self-efficacy, health-promotion intention, and its underlying mechanism. Our results imply that Buddhists tend to show similar religiosity and worship intention in three different scenarios, namely, the usage of a traditional incense burner, an electronic incense burner, and an electronic burner attached with a doctrine reminder. Buddhists also tend to have a higher perceived self-efficacy and higher health-promotion intention when exposed to electronic incense scenarios (either with or without the attached doctrine reminder). The perceived self-efficacy was found to mediate the effect of the incense burning on health-promotion intention. Important implications for public policies are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Health Promotion)
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Review

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15 pages, 4993 KiB  
Review
Effectiveness of Educational Interventions on Adherence to Lifestyle Modifications Among Hypertensive Patients: An Integrative Review
by Hon Lon Tam, Eliza Mi Ling Wong and Kin Cheung
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(7), 2513; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17072513 - 7 Apr 2020
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 8478
Abstract
Controlling blood pressure is a global concern as it is a major risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases and stroke. A flattened control rate was noted in recent decades, which highlighted an issue of adherence to medications and lifestyle modifications. Effectiveness of educational intervention [...] Read more.
Controlling blood pressure is a global concern as it is a major risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases and stroke. A flattened control rate was noted in recent decades, which highlighted an issue of adherence to medications and lifestyle modifications. Effectiveness of educational intervention on medication adherence and blood pressure control had been reviewed, but reviews on lifestyle modifications are lacking. This review with meta-analysis aimed to identify the effect of educational interventions on blood pressure control and adherence to lifestyle modifications. In accordance with the PRISMA statement, a search of CINAHL Complete, PubMed, Medline, Embase and Scopus for randomized control trials published between 2009 and 2019 was conducted. Data were extracted for quality synthesis and meta-analysis. Thirteen studies were included. Two forms of educational intervention, individual and group education, were commonly used. Phone calls, message reminders and reading materials after education were identified in the studies as supportive methods, which showed a moderate to large effect on adherence to lifestyle modifications and blood pressure control. Monthly group education lasting 45 min was suggested. Health professionals could integrate the education with supportive methods into community health promotion to improve and reinforce the adherence behavior on medications and lifestyle modifications among hypertensive patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Health Promotion)
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14 pages, 2983 KiB  
Review
The Risk Factors Related to Voice Disorder in Teachers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Haewon Byeon
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(19), 3675; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16193675 - 30 Sep 2019
Cited by 43 | Viewed by 8439
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Identifying the risk factors of teachers’ voice disorders is very important for preventing voice disorders and the recurrence of them. This meta-study identified risk factors associated with teachers’ voice disorders through systematic review and meta-analysis and provided basic data for [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Identifying the risk factors of teachers’ voice disorders is very important for preventing voice disorders and the recurrence of them. This meta-study identified risk factors associated with teachers’ voice disorders through systematic review and meta-analysis and provided basic data for preventing them. Materials and Methods: This study collected literature on the risk factors of teachers’ voice disorders using six databases (i.e., CINAHL, EBSCO, PUBMED, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Springer Link). Search was limited to studies published between 1 January 2000 and 15 October 2018, and a total of 16 publications were selected for the analysis of this study. The quality of selected literature was assessed using the “Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields”. The effect size was analyzed by odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Results: The results of the quality assessment ranged from 20 to 24 points with six strong studies and ten good studies. The meta-analysis showed that gender, upper airway problems, caffeine consumption, speaking loudly, number of classes per week, and resignation experience due to voice problems were the major risk factors of teachers’ voice disorders. On the other hand, age, number of children, drinking, physical activity, smoking, water intake, singing habits, duration of teaching, perception of noise inside the school, number of classes per day, noise assessment inside the classroom, and perception of technology and instruments inside the workplace were not significantly related to voice disorders. Conclusions: Longitudinal studies should be conducted in the future to confirm causality between voice disorders and risk factors based on the results of this study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Health Promotion)
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10 pages, 1386 KiB  
Review
Influence of Smoking Status on Risk of Incident Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies
by Hyeonju Lee and Youn-Jung Son
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16(15), 2697; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16152697 - 29 Jul 2019
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3828
Abstract
Smoking is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, there are insufficient data regarding the predictive influence of smoking status on the risk of incident heart failure (HF). This study involved a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to [...] Read more.
Smoking is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, there are insufficient data regarding the predictive influence of smoking status on the risk of incident heart failure (HF). This study involved a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to identify the association of smoking status with incident risk of HF. Peer-reviewed articles published in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and CINAHL up to May 2019 were identified. Seven studies, based on 42,759 participants and 4826 HF cases, were included. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using the fixed effects model. Subgroup analyses were conducted to define possible sources of heterogeneity. Current smokers aged 18 years and over had a greater risk of HF incidence compared with non-smokers (never or former smokers) (HR = 1.609, 95% CI, 1.470–1.761). Additionally, former smokers had a greater risk of HF incidence compared with never smokers (HR = 1.209, 95% CI, 1.084–1.348). The present study highlighted that never smokers have more obvious cardiovascular benefits than current or former smokers. Therefore, health professionals should support cessation at the earliest among current smokers and encourage young people and non-smokers not to start smoking. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wellness and Health Promotion)
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