Search Results (4)

A healthy lifestyle is a key determinant of health, especially for people with chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. The health behaviours which contribute to a healthy lifestyle include the following: regular physical activity, preventive examinations, maintaining a proper diet and avoiding the consumption of alcohol or cigarettes. They have a significant impact on the disease process, controlling symptoms and preventing complications. The aim of this study was to examine the health behaviours related to diet, physical activity and prevention among Polish primary health care patients and to identify predictors of health behaviours. For this reason, the standardized Health Behaviour Scale (HBS) questionnaire was used. The study was conducted among 269 patients (including 61.71% women) in primary health care facilities. The mean age of participants was 52.89 years (±17.76). The mean HBS score was 36.93 ± 9.66. A statistically significant association was found between HBS scores and such sociodemographic variables as education (p = 0.0061, r = 0.17), body mass index (p = 0.0018, r = −0.20, β = −0.36) and self-assessed economic status (p = 0.0094, r = 0.16). Women’s health behaviours as measured by HBS were significantly better than men’s (p < 0.001, β = −6.82). A special focus should be given to the groups manifesting poorer health behaviours (e.g., men, older people and persons with low socioeconomic status) by offering them tailored health-promoting interventions. Full article

The effectiveness of the multimodal Telemedical Lifestyle Intervention Program (TeLIPro) was proven in the advanced stages of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Since its therapeutic potential focusing on telemedical coaching without using a formula diet is unknown, we evaluated improvements in HbA_1c, HbA_1c normalisation rate, cardiometabolic risk factors, quality-of-life, and eating behaviour in real life. In this randomized-controlled trial, AOK Rhineland/Hamburg insured T2DM patients (n = 1163) were randomized (1:1) into two parallel groups, and 817 received the allocated intervention. In addition to routine care, all participants got scales, step counters, and access to an online portal. The TeLIPro group additionally received equipment for self-monitoring of blood glucose and telemedical coaching. Data were collected at baseline, after 6 and 12 months of intervention as well as after a 6-month follow-up. The primary endpoint after 12 months was (i) the estimated treatment difference (ETD) in HbA_1c change and (ii) the HbA_1c normalisation rate in those with diabetes duration < 5 years. The TeLIPro group demonstrated significantly stronger improvements in HbA_1c (ETD −0.4% (−0.5; −0.2); p < 0.001), body weight, body-mass-index, quality-of-life, and eating behaviour, especially in T2DM patients with diabetes duration ≥ 5 years (ETD −0.5% (−0.7; −0.3); p < 0.001). The HbA_1c normalisation rate did not significantly differ between groups (25% vs. 18%). Continuous addition of TeLIPro to routine care is effective in improving HbA_1c and health-related lifestyle in T2DM patients with longer diabetes duration in real life. Full article

Health behaviours are the most important proximal determinants of health that can be either promoting or detrimental to the health of individuals. To assess and compare health behaviours in different socioeconomic groups within the population, a comprehensive, valid, reliable, and culturally appropriate measure is needed. This study aimed to develop a health behaviour questionnaire and validate it in a sample of female patients over 45 years of age with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The development procedure encompassed the following stages: literature search and item generation, content validity testing (focus group and expert evaluation), and field testing. A preliminary 38-item Health Behaviour Scale (HBS) was developed and tested in a group of 487 female primary care patients over 45 years of age. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) yielded a four-factor structure. Factors jointly accounted for 47% of the variance observed. The results confirmed very good internal consistency of the questionnaire. The Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients for the entire scale were 0.82 and 0.84, respectively. The factor and item structure of the final 16-item HBS reflects the specificity of the studied sample. This measure can be a useful tool for primary care practitioners and public health researchers by helping them to develop interventions and strategies to reinforce health-promoting behaviours. Full article

Diabetes mellitus is a major public health issue that considerably impacts mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has created havoc in diabetes management, too, like other spectrums of life. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was adopted to determine the effect of Social Support, Self-Care Behaviour and Self-Efficacy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) during this COVID-19 pandemic. Two hundred T2D patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were chosen using a convenient sampling procedure. The tool consists of four sections, including socio-demographic characteristics, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), revised Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) Scale and modified Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale (DMS). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the obtained data. The mean and SD of diabetic management self-efficacy is 5.74 (1.95) and 4.37 (1.4), respectively, for patients with HbA1c < 6.5% and HbA1c ≥ 6.5%. The self-care activities of the patients who had good glycemic control were 4.31 (2.06) compared to 3.50 (1.73) who did not. The social support received by the patients was 6.13 (2.13) vs. 5.31 (1.67) among patients with glycemic control vs. no control. The results show that social support (p = 0.04), self-efficacy (p =0.01) and self-care activities (p = 0.001) were significantly related to the level of glycemic control of the T2D patients. A significant relationship was also identified between gender (p = 0.036), age (p = 0.001) and education status (p = 0.000) with HbA1c control of the participants. This study demonstrates a significant relationship between social support, self-care behaviours, self-efficacy and glycemic management in T2D patients. During this COVID-19 pandemic, interventions to enhance the self-care activities like exercise and social support to boost their self-efficacy; for better diabetes management, reducing diabetes complications or prolonging their onset are the need of the hour. Full article