Search Results (100)

Background: Behavioural heterogeneity in obesity is increasingly recognised, but how specific dietary patterns, food preferences and physical activity vary between obesity classes remains poorly characterised. Methods: We analysed behavioural, dietary, and lifestyle data from 1366 adults attending a tertiary obesity clinic in Italy. Participants were stratified into five obesity classes defined by BMI. Age-adjusted regression models and chi-square tests with Bonferroni correction were used to examine associations between obesity severity and key behavioural outcomes, including food preferences, eating behaviours, physical activity, and self-reported sleep quality. Results: The prevalence of uncontrolled eating, skipping meals, and fast eating significantly increased with obesity severity after adjusting for age (all p < 0.05). Preference for yoghurt and legumes declined with increasing BMI, whereas preferences for meat and dairy remained stable. Age-adjusted sport participation decreased progressively, with significantly lower odds in Obesity I, II, and IIIA compared to the Overweight group. Sleep quality was highest among overweight participants and declined with obesity severity; night-time awakenings were most frequent in Obesity IIIB. Conclusions: Distinct behavioural and lifestyle traits, including lower sport participation, reduced preference for fibre-rich foods, and greater frequency of uncontrolled, fast, and irregular eating, showed overall trends across obesity classes. While these findings suggest the presence of behavioural phenotypes, their interpretation is limited by the cross-sectional design and the use of self-reported, non-validated measures. Future studies should incorporate objective assessments to inform targeted obesity interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity is a global epidemic. Addressing the modifiable risk factors with effective policies is crucial for both prevention and intervention. This scoping review aims to provide a situational analysis of childhood obesity in Greece by mapping the available evidence on the prevalence of obesity among Greek children and adolescents and exploring the existing policies implemented to address this issue. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on 15 September 2023, using the PubMed, Scopus, and IATROTEK-online databases to identify studies related to childhood obesity and policies in Greece. Keyword groups were developed for “childhood obesity,” “Greece,” and either “prevalence” or “policies”. Additional sources, including Google and Google Scholar, were screened to ensure comprehensiveness. Results: A total of 66 studies were included: 61 on obesity prevalence (≤18 years of age) and 5 on existing policies tackling childhood obesity, all in Greece. The collective prevalence was observed to lie within the subsequent range of values: 2.8–21.2%. Regarding both genders, the observed prevalence ranged from 2.8% to 26.7% in males, and between 1.3% and 33.7% in females. The policies adopted in Greece cover various domains (healthy nutrition, public preferences, physical activity, school policies, and programs related to childhood obesity). Conclusions: Childhood obesity in Greece is a major challenge. Greece currently uses some policies and strategies to combat childhood obesity. There is still work to be done: policies play a pivotal role as a key tool to influence lifestyle habits on a broad scale and exert a considerable impact on the reduction in this prevalent health concern. Full article

Objective: To evaluate the role of nurses in self-management interventions for chronic inflammatory arthritis (CIA). Key areas of interest included the following: (1) providing education on self-injection techniques for biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), (2) promoting healthy lifestyles, and (3) supporting mental health. Patients’ satisfaction with the care received was also examined. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving CIA patients, rheumatologists, and nurses was conducted. Participants assessed nurses’ competence in areas such as training for bDMARD self-injection, lifestyle guidance, and emotional support. Satisfaction scores and preferences in managing side effects were also analyzed. Results: The participants expressed high confidence in the nurses’ ability to support CIA self-management. The patients rated the nurses significantly higher than doctors in training for self-injection (p = 0.002) and offering guidance on nutrition and healthy habits (p = 0.002). Although it was not a statistically significant difference, the patients also showed stronger trust in the nurses’ ability to provide psychological and emotional support. Most patients (93.0%) would contact a rheumatologist in case of side effects; 35.5% would seek a nurse. The patients attended by both a doctor and nurse reported significantly higher satisfaction compared to those seen only by a rheumatologist (p < 0.001). Both the doctors and nurses acknowledged the importance of the nurse–patient relationship for effective care (p = 0.527). Conclusions: The findings highlight the critical role of nurses in patient education—particularly in training for self-injection and promoting a healthy lifestyle and mental well-being. Their involvement is strongly associated with higher patient satisfaction and contributes significantly to the overall effectiveness of care in CIA management. Full article

Background/Objectives: The educational needs of individuals with OA and obesity can drive personalized resources for effective dietary interventions that align patient interests with weight and disease management. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate differences in nutritional education topics of interest between patients with OA who are characterized as having higher (≥30 kg/m²; HBMI) and lower BMI (<30 kg/m²; LBMI). Methods: Cross-sectional survey data (n = 296) were dichotomized into HBMI (n = 172; BMI: 38.67 ± 6.59 kg/m²) and LBMI (n = 124; BMI: 25.59 ± 3.00 kg/m²) groups. A mixed-method approach examined group differences across four primary domains: (i) strategies for weight management and healthy lifestyle, (ii) interest in vitamins and supplements, (iii) foods and nutrient with anti-inflammatory properties, and (iv) dietary patterns for weight loss. Logistic regression models compared topic interests between groups. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses captured additional insights. Results: Compared to LBMI participants, those in the HBMI group showed greater interest in weight loss strategies, emotional eating, and diets such as low-carbohydrate and ketogenic approaches, but less interest in general supplement information and plant-based diets. HBMI also had greater interest in practical strategies (e.g., feeling full, affordable foods) and reduced interest in certain anti-inflammatory foods. Both groups expressed a desire for evidence-based resources on foods that promote joint health. Conclusions: BMI-specific differences in nutritional education preferences highlight the need for tailored, patient-centered strategies in OA management. Addressing these differences may improve the effectiveness of education interventions and enhance patient–provider communication around diet and lifestyle in OA care. Full article

Climate change is one of our most critical challenges, requiring urgent and comprehensive action across all levels of society. Individual actions and their roles in mitigating and adapting to climate change remain underexplored, despite global efforts. Under this context, this study was conducted to evaluate the ecological footprint of individuals for climate change mitigation. A structured online survey was designed and distributed through email lists, social media platforms, and community organisations to over 200 potential participants in the northwest of the UK. Due to the anonymous nature of the survey, only 83 individuals from diverse demographics completed the questionnaire. A carbon footprint calculator using conversion factors has been employed, based on energy consumption, travel, and material goods use. Participants are categorised into four groups based on their annual CO₂ emissions, ranging from less than 2 tonnes to over 10 tonnes. Personalised recommendations provided by the calculator focus on practical strategies, including adopting renewable energy, minimising unnecessary consumption, and opting for sustainable transportation. Results showed that only 5.5% of participants who employed advanced technologies and smart home technologies, 1.8% were implementing water-saving practices and 65.4% preferred to use their own car over other modes of transportation. In addition, the study found that 67.3% of participants had no or only a very limited knowledge of renewable energy technologies, indicating a need for education and awareness campaigns. The findings also highlight the importance of addressing demographic differences in ecological footprints, as these variations can provide insights into tailored policy interventions. Overall, despite the study’s limited sample size, this research contributes to the growing body of evidence on the importance of individual action in combating climate change and provides actionable insights for policymakers and educators aiming to foster a more sustainable lifestyle. Future studies with larger samples are recommended to validate and expand upon these findings. Full article

Understanding alcohol consumption patterns is critical for developing effective public health strategies, particularly in countries like Spain where cultural and regional drinking norms vary widely. This study examined sociodemographic factors affecting alcohol consumption patterns across Spain, employing a cross-sectional design. A total of 22,181 Spanish adults over 18 years of age were recruited between August 2020 and November 2021, using non-probabilistic snowball sampling through social media networks. Data were gathered via a validated questionnaire (NutSo-HH Scale) encompassing sociodemographic details, health indicators, and lifestyle habits, with a focus on alcohol use. The sample included n = 22,181 participants, 80.8% women, with a mean age of 34.9 years. Most respondents (48.2%) reported no or very occasional alcohol consumption, 33% drank 2–4 times per month, 13.8% consumed alcohol 2–3 times weekly, and 5% drank daily or nearly daily. Alcohol consumption was significantly higher among men (72.1% consuming fermented beverages) and individuals with higher income and education (p < 0.001 for all variables). Regional differences were also notable, with the highest percentage of regular drinkers in Asturias (80.9%) and the Valencian Community (73.3%) as revealed by a Kruskal–Wallis test (p < 0.001). Fermented beverages were the most popular, with 68.4% of alcohol consumers preferring these, compared to distilled beverages (18.8%), fortified beverages (15.1%), and liqueurs (3.3%). A Gaussian graphical model was used to explore conditional relationships between alcohol consumption and other beverages in the Spanish population. Alcohol showed strong positive associations with fermented and distilled beverages, and with the habit of getting drunk. Weaker negative correlations were observed with water and soft drinks, suggesting contrasting consumption patterns. These findings underscore significant sociodemographic and regional variations in alcohol consumption patterns across Spain, suggesting the need for public health interventions tailored to different population segments. Full article

Background/Objectives: The workplace represents an ideal context for applying policies to foster a healthy lifestyle, guaranteeing advantages both to the individual and the company. Nevertheless, motivation to change one’s lifestyle remains an issue. This study aimed to determine subjects’ most valued intentions toward lifestyle changes and the target actions to improve lifestyles that they would be willing to invest in economically, information which might help design effective intervention programs. Methods: Classification trees were applied to 2762 employees/ex-employees (55.09 ± 13.80 years; 1107 females and 1655 males) of several Italian companies who voluntarily filled out an anonymous questionnaire on lifestyles (inquiring about, e.g., exercise, nutrition, smoking, and stress) to unveil specific subject typologies that are more likely associated with, e.g., manifesting a specific intention toward lifestyle changes and choosing the two most popular target actions resulting from the survey. Results: The main lifestyle aspect that respondents desired to improve was to become more physically active, and the most preferred tools chosen to improve their lifestyle were the possibility of having a medical specialist consultant to prescribe a tailored lifestyle program and buying a gym/swimming pool membership. Conclusions: This observational study might help tailor worksite health promotion and insurance services offered to employees, initiatives that may play an important role in fostering health/well-being and preventing chronic diseases in the more general population, especially in healthy or young subjects who are more prone to change their behavior if immediate benefits are seen instead of only advantages in the future. Full article

Background/Objectives: With the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and an aging population, the incidence of stroke is continuously increasing, which leads to higher medical costs. Stroke carries a high risk of recurrence, necessitating ongoing self-care and lifestyle changes, for which education is crucial. The aim of this study is to identify the ICT utilization education needs, mobile health literacy, and self-care education needs of stroke patients and confirm the differences in mobile health literacy and self-care education needs according to ICT utilization to establish a basis for self-care intervention. Methods: The study included 100 stroke patients diagnosed at three general hospitals or higher in City C, hospitalized or visiting neurology and neurosurgery outpatient clinics. A survey was conducted from 7 July 2023 to 30 May 2024. The survey cites computers, the Internet, live broadcasting technology, recorded broadcasting technology, and telephony as examples of ICTs. The gathered data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The final analysis included 100 people, with 64 participants being men and an average age of 57.75 ± 12.30 years. Self-care education needs showed no significant differences based on general or disease-related characteristics. Many patients could use smart devices but experienced difficulties in searching for information. The main reasons for using smart devices included acquiring disease-related information and accessing resources without time limitations. The use of ICT services that provide disease-related information was low, 70% of participants were willing to use them in the future. Additionally, they preferred doctor-led education sessions once a month, lasting no longer than 30 min each. Mobile health literacy was significantly higher among those willing to use ICT services. Conclusions: Mobile health literacy was significantly higher in the group willing to use ICT services than in the group unwilling. Self-care education needs were both highly important and necessary in the group willing to utilize ICT, but no statistically significant difference was found. Full article

Multimorbidity, defined as the co-occurrence of two or more chronic conditions in an individual, has emerged as a worldwide public health concern contributing to mortality and morbidity. This complex health phenomenon is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, particularly as populations continue to age. Despite the growing burden of multimorbidity, the development and implementation of interventions published by scholars are still in their early stages with significant variability in strategies and outcomes. The variability in strategy and outcome may result from factors such as lack of infrastructure, socioeconomic status and lifestyle factors. The review aims to synthesize interventions designed to manage and mitigate multimorbidity and explore a range of approaches, including pharmacological treatments, lifestyle modifications, care coordination models, and technological innovations. The scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist. It included 1,553,877 individuals with multimorbidity with no age restriction; in the studies that included gender difference, 463,339 male participants and 1,091,538 female participants were involved. Multimorbidity interventions were defined as strategies or programs designed to manage and improve the health and quality of life of individuals with multiple chronic conditions. Of the downloaded articles, those that met the inclusion criteria were published between 2012 and 2024. The final analysis included 100 articles from 3119 published articles, which resulted in 9 themes and 15 subthemes. Themes on the need for lifestyle and behavioural interventions, patient empowerment and engagement, multimorbidity management, health integration, pharmacotherapy optimization, community and policy interventions, healthcare system improvements, technology and digital health, as well as research and evidence-based practice interventions, emerged. The reviewed literature emphasizes the necessity of multidisciplinary approaches to effectively combat the growing public health challenge of multimorbidity. Full article

Background: Excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is linked to various health risks, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. University students are particularly vulnerable due to lifestyle factors and high consumption patterns. Objective: This cross-sectional survey examined SSB consumption patterns, sugar intake, and awareness of health risks among Kuwait University students. Methods: Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression models, were conducted using SPSS. Results: Findings revealed a high prevalence of SSB consumption, with significant associations between intake levels and demographic characteristics. Regular soda was the most consumed SSB, with 42% of students drinking it 5–6 times per week and 32% consuming it daily. The median daily sugar intake from soda alone was 38 g, approaching or exceeding recommended limits. Overall, 34% of students were classified as high-sugar consumers. Males had a higher total sugar intake, while females consumed SSBs more frequently. Greater health awareness was associated with lower sugar consumption, such as obesity (OR = 0.142, 95% CI = 0.046–0.435, p < 0.001), whereas students who were aware of the sugar content in SSBs and who preferred unsweetened fruit juices had significantly lower sugar intake from SSBs (OR = 0.653, 95% CI = 0.435–0.980, p = 0.040; OR = 0.447, 95% CI = 0.295, 0.675; p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions—such as educational campaigns and policy measures—to reduce SSB consumption and promote healthier dietary habits among young adults in Kuwait. Full article

High blood pressure in older adults poses significant risks, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and renal failure; yet, its management is often overlooked. Nurse-led personalised interventions provide essential guidance, helping patients adhere to treatment plans and adopt lifestyle changes, improving outcomes and quality of life. A scoping review of the literature was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Six electronic databases were searched systematically (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus). Five research studies were included in this review, from five countries (India, Korea, China, Turkey and Thailand). Primary data were synthesised using descriptive and thematic analysis methodology. The five main themes from this review relate to nurse-led empowerment strategies for hypertension management, variability in blood pressure outcomes, the importance of tailored education and counselling, the role of regular follow-ups and support, and environmental support. Overall, nurse-led personalised interventions improve blood pressure management and patient engagement in older adults, highlighting the need for research into their long-term effectiveness and broader applicability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antenatal depression and perceived stress are prevalent mental health challenges faced by pregnant women, and they are associated with male child preference. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a modified mindfulness training program for reducing antenatal depression and perceived stress levels among expectant mothers with a male child preference at a public sector tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Material and Methods: The present feasibility trial was conducted among expectant mothers with antenatal depression and perceived stress with a male child preference using the ADAPT-ITT framework. Assessments of the needs and experiences of the new target population were carried out through an exploratory and descriptive qualitative study. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide and analyzed using a thematic analysis process. Repeated-measures MANOVA was employed to investigate the effect of time on antenatal depression and perceived stress scores in the feasibility of the intervention. Results: Five major themes emerged from the qualitative data. A significant influence of time was established on the antenatal depression scores, with perceived scores of F (2, 326) = 21.244, p < 0.001, and F (2, 326) = 310.748, p < 0.001. The antenatal depression scores significantly decreased from pre-intervention to post-intervention (mean difference = 4.00, p < 0.001), and there was a slightly significant decline from post-intervention to follow-up (mean difference = 1.167, p = 0.001). The perceived stress scores were significantly reduced from pre-intervention to post-intervention (mean difference = 10.214, p < 0.001), and there was a minor but significant decline from post-intervention to follow-up (mean difference = 0.333, p = 0.043). Conclusions: This study concludes that the modified mindfulness training program is a culturally suitable, contextually relevant intervention in the context of Pakistan and it significantly reduced antenatal depression and perceived stress in expectant mothers with a male child preference. The modified mindfulness training program was modified in accordance with the context of Islamic teaching regarding health-promoting lifestyles and religious spirituality. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent research has focused on the study of the epigenetic role of nutrition as a tool which is expected to introduce new perspectives in the field of disease prevention and management. Although maternal nutrition is one of the best-studied mechanisms of epigenetic modifications of the fetus/newborn, less is known on the impact of childhood/adolescent nutrition on the regulation of epigenetic mecha-nisms after the first year of life. The aim of the present study was the assessment of the epigenetic role of nutrition in the health and development of children and adolescents. Methods: A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines in five databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar) up to 31 October 2024, which yielded 17 eligible studies. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Collabora-tion Risk of Bias-2 tool were used for the evaluation of risk of bias in observational studies and randomized trials, respectively. Results: Three studies investigated the epi-genetic modifications due to lifestyle interventions combining changes both in diet and physical activity; the remaining 14 studies examined the role of dietary nutrients in the regulation of epigenetic mechanisms in various health conditions, such as Angelman’s syndrome, parenteral nutrition in Intensive Care Units, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, risk of cardiovascular diseases, asthma or food sensitization, obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes or evaluated epigenetic markers as new tools for the comprehension and prediction of the participants’ response to nutritional interven-tions. Conclusions: The important impact of diet on the regulation of epigenetic mech-anisms and the expression of various genes and gene pathways could be utilized for personalized nutritional interventions in various pediatric health conditions. Full article

Background: The increasing incidence of cerebrovascular accidents represents an emerging problem. The rise in risk factors such as lifestyle choices—smoking, poor nutrition, and metabolic diseases—poses a significant challenge for the global healthcare system. The female population, due to physiological conditions and iatrogenic risks, may be at a greater risk of developing ischemic accidents. In addition to these acquired conditions, life phases such as pregnancy or puerperium, and medical conditions like surgical treatments and hormone therapy, may elevate this risk. Methods: This narrative aims to assess the various risk factors specific to the female population and evaluate the appropriate management strategies, including anesthetic support. Anesthesia plays a crucial role in enabling pharmacological procedures, such as thrombolysis, or surgical procedures like thrombectomy, in the management of ischemic cerebrovascular events. Results: The review emphasizes the importance of early recognition of risk factors to ensure prompt diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment options for ischemic events. Anesthesia support has become essential for carrying out necessary medical interventions effectively. Choosing the right anesthesia technique for endovascular thrombectomy is particularly significant, requiring consideration of the patient’s characteristics, the timing of diagnosis, and the preferences of the interventional neuroradiologists. Conclusions: It is vital to identify risk factors in the female population early to facilitate timely diagnosis and optimize treatment outcomes. Anesthetic support plays a key role in ensuring that critical procedures, such as thrombolysis and thrombectomy, are carried out effectively. Tailoring anesthesia choices to the patient’s individual needs is critical for a successful intervention. Full article

Background/Objectives: Congenital radioulnar synostosis (CRS) is a rare congenital disorder of the elbow joint caused by the abnormal fusion of the radius and ulna during fetal development, leading to limited forearm rotation and functional impairment. This narrative review aims to summarize the key aspects of diagnostic suspicion, treatment options, and lifestyle management strategies for individuals affected by CRS. Relevant sections: While CRS often occurs sporadically, there are familial cases with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The diagnosis is established through a combination of clinical evaluation and radiological imaging, which confirms the presence and extent of the synostosis. Identifying the specific type and severity of CRS is critical for management decisions. Surgical interventions are considered based on factors such as the patient’s age, level of functional limitation, and symptom severity, while conservative treatment may be appropriate for cases with mild impairment. Discussion: Various surgical techniques have been described, but derotation osteotomy has emerged as a preferred option due to its predictable improvement in forearm function. Nevertheless, surgical treatment poses challenges, including potential complications like nerve injury and recurrence of deformity. Cultural and individual considerations, such as the desired forearm position, must be addressed to achieve optimal outcomes aligned with the patient’s lifestyle and needs. Conclusions: Managing CRS requires a nuanced and individualized approach, recognizing the unique challenges each patient presents. This review highlights the importance of continuous research to refine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, ultimately aiming to enhance functional outcomes and quality of life for CRS patients. Full article