American Journal of Health Promotion最新文献

PurposeThis study aimed to examine physical activity levels, sleep quality, and musculoskeletal discomfort in university students during the academic and exam periods.Approach or DesignA cross-sectional comparative design was used.SettingThe study was conducted at a University.ParticipantsA total of 227 (n = 199 female) undergraduate students participated.MethodData were collected face-to-face using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) during both periods. Daily sitting durations and preferred study postures were also recorded. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, with significance set at P < 0.05.ResultsDuring the exam period, musculoskeletal discomfort was highest in the back, lower back, and neck regions. PSQI scores showed worse subjective sleep quality, longer sleep latency, shorter duration, and increased disturbances during exams (P < 0.05). IPAQ-SF results indicated reduced physical activity and significantly increased daily sitting time in the exam period (P < 0.05).ConclusionUniversity students experience more musculoskeletal discomfort, poorer sleep quality, and decreased physical activity during exams. These findings highlight the need for preventive strategies during high-stress academic periods.

Compartmentalization is a self-preserving way of life for health care workers. The ability to walk from situation to situation without breaking down is vital to basic survival within the health care field. While often thought of as a healthy coping mechanism, compartmentalization requires us to borrow from our future selves in order to survive the past and present. This article introduces the concept of "Borrowed Energy" through a comparison with the beauty- and self-stealing themes seen in a recent award winning film and addresses how we must prioritize regenerating our energy in order to minimize the damage to ourselves.

PurposeAmerican Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) peoples face disproportionate health risks. Understanding how AI/ANs seek out information can inform effective campaigns design that can help address these risks. We investigate preferred communication sources, health information seeking behavior (HISB), self-efficacy, perceived importance of health information, and prevention orientation of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs).DesignWe administered a survey at 3 cultural events.SettingThe National Tribal Health Conference in Bellevue, the University of Washington Winter and Spring Powwows in Seattle.SubjectsParticipants (N = 344) of the survey included people from tribes throughout the US, particularly from northwestern tribes.AnalysisIndependent samples t-tests and ANOVAs examined differences in HISB. Frequency analyses identified preferred health information. PROCESS tested the relationship between perceived importance and HISB, and moderation from prevention orientation and self-efficacy.ResultsPreferred health information source were doctor (M = 3.5), the internet (M = 3.32) and friends/relatives (M = 3.11). Females demonstrated more HISB than males (P < .01). Individuals with a college degree or higher showed greater HISB (P < .001). AI/ANs living on reservations (M = 2.34, SD = 1.53) preferred newspapers for health information more than those in metropolitan (M = 1.64, SD = .13) or rural areas (M = 1.45, SD = .16, P < .05). Perceived importance is a robust positive factor that predicts HISB (b = .48, t(315) = 9.67, P < .001).ConclusionThis study offers advice for scholars and practitioners to design messages to increase accessibility of health information.

PurposeTo evaluate the effect and sustainability of A1c reduction in a rural diabetes education program that integrates minimally time-consuming, ongoing outcome assessments and interventions guided by these assessments.DesignRetrospective pre-post studies in monthly cohorts.SettingA clinic in rural Wisconsin.SubjectsIndividuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who completed initial program visits between October 2023 and March 2024 (n = 86; monthly cohort sizes ranged from 10 to 18).InterventionA diabetes education program that incorporates minimally time-consuming, ongoing outcome assessments and guided interventions.MeasuresBaseline A1c values and the most recent A1c values by the end of months 7 and 13.AnalysisAt the practice level, average A1c reductions were calculated for each monthly cohort, and paired t-tests were used to assess statistical significance. At the individual level, A1c values were plotted to guide interventions.ResultsAll 6 monthly cohorts showed average A1c reductions between 1.0% and 2.4% at both the 7- and 13-month time points. Most reductions were statistically significant. Interventions guided by individual-level assessments appeared to support improved outcomes.ConclusionThis rural diabetes education program demonstrated sustained A1c improvement using practical, minimally resource-intensive outcome assessments and guided interventions. While the absence of a control group limits causal inference, this approach may offer a feasible model for chronic disease management in resource-limited settings.

PurposeThis study examined perceptions of a proposed US menthol cigarette ban among adults who smoke menthol cigarettes.DesignFocus group discussions.SettingVirtual focus groups with 7-9 participants each.Participants50 US adults (age 21+) who currently smoke menthol cigarettes participated in six focus groups: two with Black participants; two lesbian, gay, or bisexual participants; and two general population groups.MethodsEach 90-minute session was audio-recorded and transcribed. We used qualitative thematic analyses to examine participants' views on reasons for the ban and its potential impact on tobacco use, with a focus on differences across the three identity-based groups.ResultsMany participants, across all group types, believed the ban aimed to protect youth and future generations due to menthol's appeal and higher addictiveness. Some viewed the ban as government overreach, racially targeted, and economically or politically motivated. Several indicated they would seek menthol cigarettes through illicit markets that might emerge post-ban. Some considered switching to non-menthol cigarettes, vapes, or marijuana. However, several felt the ban could help them reduce smoking and quit entirely, citing non-menthol cigarettes' lower appeal and concerns about vaping's addictiveness and harms. Black participants expressed specific concerns about over-policing, racial profiling, community safety, and potential increases in crime related to menthol access.ConclusionsConcerns about over-policing and targeted enforcement align with tobacco industry narratives, illustrating the pervasiveness of negative industry messaging. Findings underscore the importance of proactive communication about the ban's public health goals, while addressing community concerns about policing and racial equity.

PurposeThis study examined how community violence and perceived stress relate to healthy eating intention.DesignCross-sectional analysis of online survey data.SettingUnited States.Subjects501 Black adults (age 18+).MeasuresRespondents self-reported information on their demographics, exposure to community violence [measured by the Self-Reported Exposure to Community Violence screener (SECV)], perceived stress (measured by the Perceived Stress Scale), and intention to eat healthfully in the next 2 months (measured by the Healthful Eating Belief scale).AnalysisMultivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze associations between SECV, perceived stress, and intention to eat healthfully while controlling for demographics. An interaction term assessed the multiplicative effect of SECV and perceived stress.ResultsIndividuals in the highest quartile of SECV score had lower odds of intending to eat healthy than those in the lowest quartile (aOR:0.54; CI:0.30-0.96). Individuals in the highest perceived stress score tertile had lower odds of intending to eat healthy compared to those in the lowest tertile (aOR:0.53; CI:0.30-0.92). Individuals in the highest quartile of SECV score and highest tertile for perceived stress score had the lowest odds of intending to eat healthy (aOR:0.21; CI:0.08-0.55).ConclusionHigh SECV and perceived stress are associated with reduced odds of intending to eat healthy among Black adults. More research is needed to describe whether these factors influence dietary behavior.

PurposeBreast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with its incidence varying significantly across different regions. While individual-level studies have explored the link between diet and BC risk, a comprehensive global assessment using an ecological approach is lacking. The aim of this study is to describe and evaluate the relationship between BC incidence and food and nutrient intake on a global scale.DesignAn ecological study using publicly available country-level data from global sources.SettingCountry-level data were obtained from the Global Cancer Observatory and the Global Dietary Database.SampleThe present study included data of 175 countries, covering a wide range of geographical areas and different food cultures.MeasuresKey measures included country-level data on women's intake of various food and nutrients, alongside age-standardized BC incidence rates. Additional country-level covariates were also considered to account for potential confounding.AnalysesFor initial exploratory assessment, comparisons of median food and nutrient intake were done using the Mann-Whitney U test. Additionally, multiple linear regression was applied to assess the associations between BC incidence and various food and nutrient intake variables, adjusting for potential confounding factors.ResultsThe multivariate analysis, after rigorous adjustment for confounding factors, initially revealed several food and nutrients that appeared to be significantly associated with BC risk. However, after applying the Bonferroni correction, these associations were no longer statistically significant, with the exception of alcohol consumption, which remained positively associated with BC incidence (β = 0.209, P = 0.048).ConclusionThis study suggests that alcohol consumption may be a potential risk factor for BC and highlight the complexity of the relationship between dietary factors and BC risk. The findings of this study could serve as a baseline for future in-depth individual-level research that aims to assess such a relationship.

PurposeTo assess whether caregiving status influenced influenza vaccination uptake during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify key sociodemographic, behavioral, and health-related determinants of vaccine receipt.DesignCross-sectional analysis using multivariable logistic regression models.SettingTwenty-six U.S. states that administered caregiver and marijuana modules in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), 2021 and 2022.Sample105 384 adult BRFSS respondents; 21 965 identified as caregivers for individuals with health conditions or limitations.InterventionNot applicable.MeasuresPrimary outcome was self-reported influenza vaccination in the past 12 months. Primary exposure was caregiver status. Covariates included age, sex, race/ethnicity, income, education, healthcare access, and health-related risk behaviors (eg, smoking, binge drinking).AnalysisWeighted multivariable logistic regression assessed associations between caregiver status and vaccination. Interaction terms and caregiver-only models evaluated differential effects.ResultsCaregiver status was not significantly associated with influenza vaccination (AOR ≈ 1.0). Healthcare access (eg, recent check-up) strongly predicted vaccination (AOR ≈ 2.7), while risk behaviors reduced likelihood (AOR ≈ 0.7). Findings were consistent in analyses restricted to caregivers. Disparities were observed by race and sex.ConclusionCaregiver status alone did not predict influenza vaccination. Sociodemographic and behavioral factors, particularly healthcare access and risk behaviors were stronger influences. Interventions addressing structural barriers and behavioral risks may improve caregiver vaccination rates.

PurposeTo evaluate the real-world effectiveness of a longstanding community-based National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) on participation and weight-loss for Latino(a) adults.DesignRetrospective cohort analysis.SettingThe yearlong program was delivered in an urban area of Colorado by a team of Latino(a) community health workers in partnership with a safety-net healthcare organization.SubjectsNational DPP participants between January 2014 and December 2023.MeasuresOutcome measures included National DPP sessions attended and achievement of ≥5% weight loss. Covariates included demographics, body mass index, self-reported physical activity, and health status.AnalysisDescriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses evaluated associations between demographic and program-related characteristics with program attendance and ≥5% weight loss.Results2377 participants were included; median age 44 years (IQR 37, 52), 86.1% female, 89.8% Latino(a), and 82.0% Spanish speakers. Among 1988 participants who attended ≥8 of 20 sessions within 6 months and had 2 or more weight values, 31.6% achieved ≥5% weight loss. Weight loss of ≥5% was associated with male sex, attendance of ≥16 of 26 sessions, participation in later cohorts, ≥20% sessions with ≥150 minutes per week physical activity, and high self-reported health status.ConclusionCommunity-based National DPP programs can be an effective strategy for increasing program participation and supporting weight loss among Latino(a) adults. Ongoing efforts to engage Latino men in such programs are needed.

PurposeNutrition plays an important role in overall health, yet little is known about how perceived nutritional status relates to health outcomes among older Korean Americans.DesignCross-sectional survey design.SettingSurveys were conducted at six subsidized senior housing facilities in Los Angeles between April and June 2023.SampleThe sample included 318 Korean American adults aged 65 and older.MeasuresParticipants rated their nutritional status, as well as physical, mental, and oral health on a 5-point scale. Responses were grouped into two categories: excellent/very good/good = 0, fair/poor = 1.AnalysisLogistic regression models examined the health risks associated with perceived nutrition, adjusting for demographic and health-related covariates.ResultsHalf of participants (50.5%) rated their nutritional status as fair or poor. These individuals had significantly higher odds of reporting poor physical health (OR = 6.44, 95% CI = 3.53, 11.7), mental health (OR = 4.48, 95% CI = 2.43, 8.27), and oral health (OR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.64, 5.37) compared to those with better perceived nutrition (all P < .001).ConclusionFindings underscore the value of self-perceived nutrition as an indicator of well-being and highlight the need for culturally informed approaches to improving nutritional status and health. This study contributes to the growing evidence on the interconnectedness of nutrition with various domains of health in older immigrants.