Personality and attitudinal correlates of healthy and unhealthy lifestyles in young adults

Deploying a robotic positive psychology coach to improve college students' psychological well-being

Despite the increase in awareness and support for mental health, college students' mental health is reported to decline every year in many countries. Several interactive technologies for mental health have been proposed and are aiming to make therapeutic service more accessible, but most of them only provide one-way passive contents for their users, such as psycho-education, health monitoring, and clinical assessment. We present a robotic coach that not only delivers interactive positive psychology interventions but also provides other useful skills to build rapport with college students. Results from our on-campus housing deployment feasibility study showed that the robotic intervention showed significant association with increases in students' psychological well-being, mood, and motivation to change. We further found that students' personality traits were associated with the intervention outcomes as well as their working alliance with the robot and their satisfaction with the interventions. Also, students' working alliance with the robot was shown to be associated with their pre-to-post change in motivation for better well-being. Analyses on students' behavioral cues showed that several verbal and nonverbal behaviors were associated with the change in self-reported intervention outcomes. The qualitative analyses on the post-study interview suggest that the robotic coach's companionship made a positive impression on students, but also revealed areas for improvement in the design of the robotic coach. Results from our feasibility study give insight into how learning users' traits and recognizing behavioral cues can help an AI agent provide personalized intervention experiences for better mental health outcomes.

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards oral hygiene of transgenders in Bhubaneswar during COVID-19

Introduction:

Reducing harmful oral hygiene practices can minimize the negative impacts of periodontal diseases. Transgenders are among the most vulnerable groups. Knowledge of their oral hygiene awareness, attitude and behaviour shall help in improving their oral health and also in planning oral health strategies specific to this group.

Aim:

To explore the oral hygiene-related knowledge, attitude and practices of transgenders residing in the Bhubaneswar during COVID-19.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among the transgenders residing in Bhubaneswar using a self-structured questionnaire containing questions on knowledge, attitude and practices related to oral hygiene. Mann–Whitney U test was applied to find any significant differences between different variables in groups.

Results:

A total of 205 transgenders participated in the study. Around 43.9% of the transgenders in rural areas felt they had bad breath and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Majority of the participants in the rural areas did not know how to describe the health of their teeth and gums while 43% of the participants in the urban areas felt their oral health was good. There was statistically significant difference between the two groups in the type of material used for cleaning teeth [p = 0.020]. There was statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of brushing their teeth everyday [p = 0.005, duration of brushing [p = 0.052], tools used for cleaning teeth [p = 0.023] and method employed to control mouth odour.

Conclusion:

The information presented in this study adds onto our understanding of the oral hygiene related behaviour among the transgenders.

Predicting psychological health: assessing the incremental validity of emotional intelligence beyond personality, Type A behaviour, and daily hassles

Although some research has linked emotional intelligence (EI) and psychological health, little research has examined EI's ability to predict health outcomes after controlling for related constructs, or EI's ability to moderate the stressor–strain relationship. The present study explored the relationships among EI (as assessed by a trait‐based measure, the EQ‐i), Big Five personality factors, Type A Behaviour Pattern (TABP), daily hassles, and psychological health/strain factors (in terms of perceived well‐being, strain, and three components of burnout). The EQ‐i was highly correlated with most aspects of personality and TABP. After controlling for the impact of hassles, personality, and TABP, the five EQ‐i subscales accounted for incremental variance in two of the five psychological health outcomes. However, the EQ‐i scales failed to moderate the hassles–strain relationship. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

University Student Mental Well-Being during COVID-19 Outbreak: What Are the Relationships between Information Seeking, Perceived Risk and Personal Resources Related to the Academic Context?

In light of rising concern about the coronavirus pandemic crisis, a growing number of universities across the world have either postponed or canceled all campus and other activities. This posed new challenges for university students. Based on the classification proposed in the Mental Health Continuum model by Keyes, the aims were to estimate university students’ prevalence of mental health during lookdown outbreak, and to examine the associations between mental health and, respectively, academic stress, self-efficacy, satisfaction for degree course, locus of control, COVID-19 risk perception, taking into account the level of information seeking about pandemic. Overall, 1124 Italian university students completed a self-report questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and correlational analyses. Results showed that 22.3% of participants were flourishing, and levels of mental well-being appeared in line with normative values in young Italian adults; levels of academic stress were not significantly higher than those found in other student samples before the COVID-19 outbreak. Students with high levels of information seeking presented higher levels of well-being and risk perception. Results could be considered useful to realize training pathways, to help the university students to improve their well-being, post-pandemic.

[Investigation of oral health knowledge, attitude, behavior of 12-15 years old children in Chongqing]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the status of oral health knowledge, attitude, behavior of 12-15 years old children and provide a theoretical basis of prevention.

METHODS

Multi-stage stratified sampling method was used to extract four middle school students from Chongqing districts and counties (2 in the main urban area and 2 suburbs), and their oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviors were investigated through questionnaires. All data were entered using Epidata and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 software.

RESULTS

A total of 3 902 valid questionnaires were collected. The proportion of people who had good brushing habits was 39.7% (1 548), the average oral health knowledge accuracy rate was 58.9%, and the average oral health positive attitude was 88.6%. The number of middle school students who attended the dental experience was 54.5% (2 127), and that of the school who received oral health education was 17.5% (681). There were gender and regional differences in brushing habits.

CONCLUSIONS

The knowledge and behavior of oral health among 12-15-year-old middle school students in Chongqing need to be improved. Oral health education for middle school students should be strengthened, especially in rural and suburban areas.

Inhibitory Risks Affecting the Maintenance of Healthy Lifestyle Habits-A Study Based on Demographic Factors and Personality Traits

People with different personal attributes, both intrinsic (personality traits) and extrinsic (demographic factors), perceive different inhibitions in the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. This study examines the correlation between inhabitants’ personal attributes, internal and external, and their perception of risk factors in the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. Results show that (1) residents prone to ‘challenge’ and ‘commitment’ are more sensitive to the inhibitory risks. (2) Inhabitants under 65 years old with ‘challenge’ in their personality are more likely to report ‘time’ as a constraining factor. (3) Regarding walking habits, residents are not only impacted by the living environment but also restricted by the demographic factors of economics and time.

The relationship between frequency of performance and perceived importance of health behaviours

The relationship between performance of health behaviours and their perceived importance was examined among 250 adults. Frequency of performance and perceived importance of 21 health behaviours, self-assessed health and the Big Five personality traits were measured. As expected, importance and performance were positively correlated. Self-assessed health was more strongly associated with performance than importance, and a model wherein importance affects performance, which in turn affects self-assessed health, was superior to a model wherein performance affects importance. The Big Five significantly explained performance, particularly conscientiousness, and importance explained performance beyond this effect. Consequently, importance perceptions should be considered when developing behavioural interventions.

Sport Participation, Psychological Well-Being, and Psychosocial Development in a Group of Young Black Adults

The purpose of this study was to determine whether young black adults who participate in sport differ in psychological well-being and psychosocial development from those who do not participate actively in sport. An availability sample of 293 students between 20 and 35 years old from three tertiary institutions in South Africa completed self-report measures of psychological well-being and psychosocial development. The reliability and validity of the instruments were acceptable for use in this particular group. Students who participate actively in sport had significantly lower levels of negative affect, somatic symptoms, symptoms of depression, and pessimistic life orientation, and significantly higher levels of positive affect, sense of coherence, and self-efficacy beliefs. They also manifested higher levels of purpose and autonomy. Educational and policy implications of the findings are indicated.

The Prediction of Health-related Behaviour in Elementary School Children

This study investigates the importance of psychological concepts with regard to health-related behaviour in elementary school children based on self-report data of 802 second- and fourth-graders. The results show significant relations of self-efficacy and the choice of appropriate coping strategies to positive health-related behaviours. The amount of stress experiences (measured by the Youth Self-Report) is associated to health-risky behaviours for the total sample and for the gender subgroups, while the other predictor variables show inconsistent relations for different subgroups. The significance of the results for health-promotion during early developmental stages is discussed.

Personality, Preventive Health Behaviour and Comparative Optimism about Health Problems

The aim was to test a model whereby personality influences preventive health behaviour which in turn influences comparative optimism about possible future health problems. Students ( N 5 150) completed measures of personality (five-factor), preventive health behaviour and comparative optimism. The model was tested using structural equation modelling with observed variables. In the final model, agreeableness and conscientiousness had positive main effects and an interactive effect upon preventive health behaviour. Preventive health behaviour had a positive effect upon comparative optimism. In addition, extraversion had a direct positive effect (not mediated by preventive health behaviour) upon comparative optimism. It is speculated that agreeableness and conscientiousness combine to produce a general regard for social convention that is conducive to healthier behaviour. The effect of extraversion is explicable in terms of positive affectivity.

Evaluation of oral health attitude and behavior among a group of dental students in Puducherry, India: A preliminary cross-sectional study

CONTEXT

Oral behavior reflects individual perception on oral health. Behavior and attitude of oral health providers, especially dentists, towards oral health affect their capacity to deliver oral health care services. This attitude plays a important role in determining the oral health condition of population.

AIM

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the oral health attitude and behavior among a group of dental students in India and to find any gender-based differences in terms of oral health attitude and behavior.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 282 dental students of Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, SBV University, Puducherry, India participated in the study. A simplified English version of Hiroshima University Dental-Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI) was adopted.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

SSP version 2.80 software was used to analyze the data. Chi-square test was used to find the differences in the distribution of "yes" among students from the different academic year as well as between male and female students. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Statistical significance was observed for the responses between the students from different academic years brushing frequency, careful brushing of teeth, using brush with hard bristles, careful self-evaluation of brushing and satisfied appearance of teeth and gums. Male students preferred to use a tooth brush with hard bristles and regular mouth washes than female students. With regards to worrying about bad breath, male students had more "yes" responses than females.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral health attitude and behavior increased with the increasing levels of dental education, and no significant differences were observed among male and female dental students.

Mortality Risk Prediction: Can Comorbidity Indices Be Improved With Psychosocial Data?

BACKGROUND

Predicting risk of premature death is one of the most basic tasks in medicine and public health, but has proven to be difficult over the long term even with the best prognostic models. One popular strategy has been to improve prognostic models with candidate genes and other novel biomarkers. However, the gains in predictive power have been modest and the costs have been high, leading to a demand for cost-effective alternatives. We conducted a proof-of-principle investigation to examine whether simple, cheap, and noninvasive paper-and-pencil measures of social class and personality phenotype could improve the performance of one of the most widely used prediction models for all-cause mortality, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).

METHODS

We used data from baseline and 25-year mortality follow-up of the UK Health and Lifestyle Study cohort. In a subset of the cohort, we first identified 5 psychosocial factors highly predictive of mortality: income, education, type A personality, communalism (preference for the company of others), and "lie" scale (a measure of denial, putatively associated with ill health). We then examined the predictive performance of the CCI with and without these measures in a validation subsample.

RESULTS

Across 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25-year time horizons, the psychosocially augmented CCI showed substantially better discrimination [area under the receiver-operating curves (95% confidence interval) from 0.83 (0.81-0.85) to 0.84 (0.83-0.86)] than the CCI [area under the receiver-operating curves from 0.74 (0.71-0.76) to 0.77 (0.76-0.79)]. These translated into net reclassification improvements from 27% (23%-31%) to 35% (32%-38%) of survivors and from 23% (17%-30%) to 34% (17%-30%) of decedents; and 23%-42% reductions in the Number Needed to Screen. Calibration improved at all time horizons except 25 years, where it was decreased.

CONCLUSION

Widespread attempts to improve prognostic models might consider not only novel biomarkers, but also psychosocial questionnaire measures.

Attitude and awareness of medical and dental students towards collaboration between medical and dental practice in Hong Kong

Background

Medical-dental collaboration is essential for improving resource efficiency and standards of care. However, few studies have been conducted on it. This study aimed to investigate the attitude and awareness of medical and dental students about collaboration between medical and dental practices in Hong Kong.

Methods

All medical and dental students in Hong Kong were invited to complete a questionnaire survey at their universities, hospitals and residential halls. It contained 8 questions designed to elicit their attitudes about the collaboration between medical and dental practice. Students were also asked about their awareness of the collaboration between dentistry and medicine. The questionnaires were directly distributed to medical and dental students. The finished questionnaires were immediately collected by research assistants on site.

Results

A total of 1,857 questionnaires were distributed and 809 (44%) were returned. Their mean attitude score (SD) towards medical-dental collaboration was 6.37 (1.44). Most students (77%) were aware of the collaboration between medical and dental practice in Hong Kong. They considered that Ear, Nose & Throat, General Surgery and Family Medicine were the 3 most common medical disciplines which entailed collaboration between medical and dental practice.

Conclusion

In this study, the medical and dental students in general demonstrated a good attitude and awareness of the collaboration between medical and dental practice in Hong Kong. This established an essential foundation for fostering medical-dental collaboration, which is vital to improving resource efficiency and standards of care.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12903-015-0038-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Oral health-related knowledge, attitude and practices among eunuchs (hijras) residing in Bhopal City, Madhya Pradesh, India: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey

Background:

The current cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the oral health-related knowledge, attitude and practices among eunuchs (hijras) residing in Bhopal city, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Materials and Methods:

Based on a convenient non-probability snow ball sampling technique, all the self-identified eunuchs residing in the city of Bhopal who were present at the time of study and who fulfilled the selection criteria were approached. A cross section of the general population was also surveyed. An interviewer-based, predesigned, structured, close-ended 18-item questionnaire that had been designed based on the primary objective of the study was used. All the obtained data were analyzed using software, Statistical Package for Social Science version 20.

Results:

According to 188 (86.2%) males, 187 (87.4%) females and 168 (81.2%) eunuchs, good oral health can improve the general health. Most of the study participants including 211 (98.6%) females, 210 (96.3%) males and 205 (99%) eunuchs use either tooth paste or tooth powder to clean their teeth. While, a majority of eunuchs, i.e., 113 (54.6%), were having habit of chewing smokeless tobacco containing products such as betel nut, betel quid, gutkha, etc., The difference in use of tobacco products was statistically significant.

Conclusion:

The information presented in this study adds to our understanding of the common oral hygiene practices which are performed among eunuch population. Efforts to increase the awareness of oral effects of tobacco use and to eliminate the habit are needed to improve oral and general health of this population.

Who makes use of Internet-delivered health information? The role of gender role self-concept in young men and women

This study examined the contribution of gender role self-concept (expressiveness and instrumentality) on active interest in and use of Internet-delivered health information among young men and women. Four hundred and twenty university students reported health behaviours and perceived personal vulnerability regarding five diseases. We analysed active interest in receiving health-related information concerning these diseases (providing email address to receive a link to health-related websites) and actual use of provided websites two weeks afterwards. Usage of health-related information via the Internet was objectively assessed by recording log-ins on the website and obtaining individual click counts. In both sexes, higher expressiveness was independently associated with being more likely to show active interest in health-related information. Additionally, expressiveness was positively associated with website use in men independent of age, personal vulnerability and reported health behaviours. Thus, an expressive self-concept facilitates the use of health-related information, especially among men.

Prevalence of health risk behaviors and their associated factors among university students in Kyrgyzstan

BACKGROUND

With the advancements in knowledge about health promotion, public health professionals have been seeking determinants of personal health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of health risk behaviors and its associated factors in a sample of Kyrgyz university students.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional survey, health risk behaviors among a sample of randomly selected university students were assessed. The sample included 837 university students from health sciences undergraduate courses of the State Medical Academy in Kyrgyzstan. The students were 358 (42.8%) males and 479 (57.2%) females in the age range of 18-29 years (Median age=21.3 years, SD=1.5).

RESULTS

On average, students engaged in 9.4 (SD=2.3) out of 23 health risk behavior practices (range, 3-18). Generally, there was a high rate of insufficient fruit and vegetable intake (86.4%), eating red meat at least once a day (62%), usually adding salt to meals (78.3%), skipping breakfast (50.5%), current tobacco use (49.7%) and two or more sexual partners in the past 12 months (46.1%) among men, and never using a condom with a primary partner in the past 3 months (90.9%) among women. Furthermore, 60.8% of the women were physically inactive. In bivariate analysis among men, the lack of perceived benefits was associated with health risk behavior. In multivariate analysis among women, poorer family background, being Russian, high personal constraints or stress, and better subjective health were associated with the health risk behavior index.

CONCLUSIONS

Students had a high proportion of health risk behavior practices. Several high health risk practices were identified, including poor dietary behavior, physical inactivity, sexual risk behavior, and tobacco use. Gender specific predictors identified included sociodemographic characteristics and social and health variables, which can be utilized in health promotion programs.

Prevalence of health behaviors and their associated factors among a sample of university students in India

OBJECTIVE

With advances in knowledge about health promotion, public health professionals are in search for the determinants of personal health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of health behaviors and its associated factors in a sample of Indian university students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a cross-sectional survey, we assessed health behavior among a sample of randomly selected university students. The sample included 800 university students from non-health (mainly engineering and sciences) undergraduate courses of Gitam University, Visakhapatnam in India. The students were 541 (67.6%) males and 259 (32.4%) females in the age range of 17-20 years (Median age=18.2 years, SD=1.0).

RESULTS

On average, students engaged in 15.8 out of 25 health behavior practices. There was a high rate of overweight and obesity (26.8% and 10.7%, respectively), low rate of brushing teeth at least twice a day (28.6%), annual dental check-up (25.8%), habitual seatbelt use (23%), and poor dietary patterns (79% ate less than the recommended fruit and vegetable consumption of five servings a day, and 68.5% did not avoid eating fat and cholesterol). In multivariate analysis among men, personal constraints (Odds Ratio=OR 1.75, Confidence Interval=CI 1.09-2.82), health benefits (OR=2.01, CI=1.27-3.17), and not suffering from depression (OR=0.60, CI=0.22-0.94) were associated with the health behavior index. Among women, those who were living away from their parents or guardians (OR=1.94, CI=1.06-3.55), economically better off (OR=2.16, CI=1.00-4.63), and had higher social support (OR=3.65, CI=1.75-7.63), were associated with the health behavior index.

DISCUSSION

Students had a high proportion of health behavior practices. Several high health risk practices were identified, including overweight, poor dental practices, poor dietary and sleeping habits. It is hoped that the gender-specific predictors identified, including sociodemographics as well as social and mental health variables, can also be utilized in designing health promotion programs.

Health locus of control and health behaviour

A representative sample of 11,632 people completed a questionnaire measuring health locus of control, health value and a number of health behaviours as part of the 1989 Health in Wales Survey. Measures of smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise and diet were combined to form a health behaviour index, representing key 'lifestyle' indicators. In line with predictions, scores on this measure were positively associated with internal health locus of control scores, and negatively associated with scores on the chance and powerful others dimensions. Classifying respondents according to Wallston and Wallston's (1981) health locus of control typology revealed that 'pure internals' performed the most health behaviours. Some evidence was found to suggest that health value moderates the relationship between health locus of control and health behaviour, although overall the health locus of control construct was found to be a weak predictor of health behaviour. The results are discussed in relation to the need to consider other expectancy beliefs when predicting health behaviour.

Major differences in oral health knowledge and behavior in a group of Iranian pre-university students: a cross-sectional study

To establish efficient methods for self-prevention of oral diseases, assessment of dental health behavior and knowledge in various social classes is necessary. The main purpose of this study was to determine the major differences in oral health knowledge and behavior in a group of Iranian pre-university students. In this cross-sectional study, 591 pre-university students from different regions of Mashhad, Iran were randomly selected to complete a questionnaire consisting of two parts including dental health behavior and knowledge. Scores were recorded and statistical analyses performed to determine the correlation between dental health behavior and knowledge. Data was analyzed with Student's t-test, one-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation. The mean score of dental health knowledge was significantly lower than the dental health behavior (2.95 ± 0.02 vs. 3.31 ± 0.05, P < 0.001). This difference was observed with gender, birth location and major subject of study. The dental health behavior of Iranian pre-university students was inadequate and their dental health knowledge was at a lower level compared to their behavior. Experimental science students had better oral health behavior compared to other students.

Zur wahrgenommenen Förderlichkeit multipler Gesundheitsverhaltensweisen für die Gesundheitserhaltung

Zusammenfassung. Ziel dieser Online-Studie war die Einschätzung der wahrgenommenen Förderlichkeit multipler Gesundheitsverhaltensweisen für die Gesundheitserhaltung in einer heterogenen Stichprobe von Gesundheitsexperten (Mediziner, Psychologen und andere Gesundheitsberufe) und Laien (Schüler/Studierende und gesundheitsferne Berufe). Fünfhundertundacht Personen (53% Frauen) im mittleren Alter von 34.4 Jahren schätzten ein, inwieweit sich 39 Verhaltensweisen förderlich oder hinderlich auf die Gesundheitserhaltung einer Person im Allgemeinen auswirken. Diese spezifischen Konsequenzerwartungen unterschieden sich deutlich, so dass sehr wirksame und weniger wirksame Verhaltensweisen identifiziert werden konnten. Eine Hauptkomponentenanalyse mit obliquer Rotation ergab eine Lösung mit fünf unabhängigen Komponenten, die 44.3% der Varianz erklärten und als abhängige Variablen in eine altersadjustierte 5 × 2 MANCOVA (Fachlichkeit × Geschlecht) eingingen. Der signifikante multivariate Haupteffekt für Fachlichkeit war auf Vorsorgeverhalten und Sicherheitsorientiertes Verhalten zurückzuführen, wobei insbesondere Mediziner die stärksten Gesundheitskontingenzen wahrnahmen. Der signifikante multivariate Haupteffekt für Geschlecht ging auf Psychosoziales Regulationsverhalten, Substanzenbezogene Abstinenz, Vorsorgeverhalten und Selbstpflegeverhalten zurück, wobei Frauen erwartungsgemäß stärkere Kontingenzen wahrnahmen als Männer. Auf Gesundheitserhaltung bezogene Konsequenzerwartungen sind das Ergebnis einer Berufs- und Geschlechtersozialisation und damit prinzipiell veränderbar. Als Voraussetzung für die Entwicklung von Kompetenzerwartungen sollten Konsequenzerwartungen im Rahmen von Interventionsmaßnahmen mehr Beachtung finden.

Health locus of control and health behaviour: results from a nationally representative survey

The present study aims to examine the association between sociodemographic variables and health locus of control (HLC) as well as HLC and health behaviour. Data from a representative sample of the German adult population, the Telephone Health Survey 2006 (GSTel06; N=5542), were used. A German version of the MHLC (multidimensional HLC) scales was used. Associations between sociodemographic variables and three dimensions of HLC (internal, powerful others and chance) and between HLC and health behaviour were calculated. In particular, higher age, low socioeconomic status and migration background were associated with higher HLC scores on the powerful others and chance dimension. Subjects scoring high on the chance dimension did less sports activity (OR: 0.8; CI: 0.7-0.9), had less medical teeth protection (0.7; 0.6-0.9), fewer health courses (0.8; 0.7-0.9) and conducted less systematic information-seeking (0.8; 0.6-0.9), while results regarding internal and powerful others HLC remained mainly insignificant. High chance HLC can be regarded as risk factor of adequate health behaviour. The associations between high chance HLC, low socioeconomic status and migration background emphasise the need for treatments and prevention programmes tailored to modify the high chance HLC of socially disadvantaged populations.

Emotional outlook on life predicts increases in physical activity among initially inactive men

This study examined the relationship between emotional outlook on life and change in physical activity among inactive adults in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study. A total of 2,132 sedentary adults completed a baseline medical examination and returned for a follow-up examination at least 6 months later. Participants self-reported physical activity level and emotional outlook on life. Emotional outlook on life was significantly and positively related to physical activity participation at the follow-up visit in men but not women. Men who were usually very happy and optimistic at baseline had significantly greater increases in physical activity compared to men who were not happy. Men with a more positive outlook on life (e.g., happier) may be more likely to increase physical activity levels. Physical activity interventions targeting men may be more successful if they first increase happiness.

Is the association between optimistic cardiovascular risk perceptions and lower rates of cardiovascular disease mortality explained by biomarkers of systemic inflammation or endothelial function? A case-cohort study

Background

More optimistic perceptions of cardiovascular disease risk are associated with substantively lower rates of cardiovascular death among men. It remains unknown whether this association represents causality (i.e. perception leads to actions/conditions that influence cardiovascular disease occurrence) or residual confounding by unmeasured factors that associate with risk perceptions and with physiological processes that promote cardiovascular disease (i.e. inflammation or endothelial dysfunction).

Purpose

To evaluate whether previously unmeasured biological markers of inflammation or endothelial dysregulation confound the observed association between cardiovascular disease risk perceptions and cardiovascular disease outcomes;

Methods

We conducted a nested case-cohort study among community-dwelling men from Southeastern New England (USA) who were interviewed between 1989 and 1990 as part of the Pawtucket Heart Health Program. We measured C-reactive protein (CRP) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels from stored sera for a random sample of the parent cohort (control sample, n = 127) and all cases of cardiovascular death observed through 2005 (case sample, n = 44). We evaluated potential confounding using stratified analyses and logistic regression modeling.

Results

Optimistic ratings of risk associated with lower odds of dying from cardiovascular causes among men (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.17, 0.91). Neither CRP nor VEGF confounded these findings.

Conclusions

The strong cardio-protective association between optimistic ratings of cardiovascular disease risk and lower rates of cardiovascular mortality among men is not confounded by baseline biomarkers of systemic inflammation or endothelial dysfunction.

A comparative study of oral health knowledge, attitude and behaviour of non-medical, para-medical and medical students in Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India

AIM

The aim of the study was to assess and compare the Oral health knowledge, attitude and behaviour of the non-medical, para-medical and medical students.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, a total of 825 students (males - 577, females - 248) of six different professions belonging to non-medical, para-medical and medical categories were surveyed using a self-administered, structured questionnaire pretested through a pilot survey. The mean percentage scores, standard deviation and frequency distribution were calculated. The Student's t-test, anova test, Scheffe's test and chi-squared test were used as test of significance. The linear regression analysis was used to assess the relation of behaviour with knowledge and attitude.

RESULTS

The knowledge scores were significantly higher for the medical students compared with those of non-medical students. The attitude scores were significantly lower for the non-medical category compared with the other two categories and the scores were the highest among the para-medical students. The behaviour scores were significantly lower for the non-medical students than for the para-medical and the medical categories. All the scores were significantly higher for females than for the males. Regression analysis showed a linear relationship of behaviour with the attitude, but no significant linear relation with the knowledge.

CONCLUSION

All the students showed low level of knowledge and the preventive behaviour among the students could still be improved. The results indicate that the knowledge was not enough to influence the oral health behaviour, but behaviour showed linear relationship with attitude of the students.

Neuroticism, conscientiousness and fruit consumption: exploring mediator and moderator effects in the theory of planned behaviour

Integrating the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) with the five-factor model (FFM) of personality may provide insight into the cognitive and motivational mechanisms linking personality with health behaviour, but this issue has received very little attention regarding fruit consumption. Mediator effects of TPB concepts in the personality-fruit consumption link, as well as moderator effects of personality in the intention-fruit consumption link, were therefore investigated in the present study. Data on fruit consumption, TPB concepts and FFM dimensions were gathered among 405 respondents in face-to-face interviews using questionnaires. Structural equation modelling was used to investigate the mediator and moderator effects. The direct effect of conscientiousness on fruit consumption was mediated by attitude and perceived behavioural control, while no direct effect of neuroticism on fruit consumption was found. Neuroticism moderated the intention-fruit consumption relationship with the weakest relationship for those scoring high on neuroticism. Conscientiousness did not moderate the intention-fruit consumption relationship. TPB variables are mediators in the conscientiousness-fruit consumption link. Whether fruit consumption is intentional may be dependent upon the personality dimension neuroticism. Personality dimensions may be a useful addition to the TPB and should be considered in health behaviour change interventions.

Self-reported physical health of inmates: impact of incarceration and relation to optimism

This study investigated the relationship between inmates' physical health concerns and optimism. Optimism has been consistently associated with physical health in community samples, but little research has examined this potentially malleable variable in an inmate population. This study of 501 male and female jail inmates attempts to bridge this gap. Results showed optimism was negatively associated with physical health concerns upon entry to jail and prior to release or transfer. Additionally, optimism assessed upon entry to jail predicted modest decreases in physical health concerns over incarceration. Results suggest that optimism is a health-related variable that may be beneficial when optimism-increasing components are integrated into treatment.

A comparative study of oral health knowledge, attitude and behaviour of first and final year dental students of Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India

OBJECTIVE

To assess and compare differences in oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviour among first and final year dental students in Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, 182 first year students (59 males and 123 females) and 157 final year students (75 males and 82 females) of the two dental colleges in Udaipur city; Rajasthan, were surveyed using a self-administered structured questionnaire including 37 multiple choice questions pretested through a pilot survey. The data was analysed using the spss version 10.0. The mean percentage scores, standard deviation and frequency distribution were calculated. The Student's t-test and anova test were used as test of significance. The linear regression analysis were used to assess the relation of knowledge, attitude and behaviour.

RESULTS

The mean % score for oral health knowledge, attitude and behaviour were significantly higher in final year students compared to first year students (P < 0.001). The linear regression analysis showed a statistically significant linear relationship of attitude with the knowledge (P < 0.001) and behaviour with the attitude (P < 0.001) of the students.

CONCLUSION

Besides the positive changes revealed in the oral health knowledge, attitude and behaviour, among the students from first to final year of dental studies, preventive behaviour among the students could still be improved.

Mood and attitude predict pain outcomes following arthroscopic knee surgery

BACKGROUND

Decreased pain represents a clinically important outcome following arthroscopic knee surgery. However, little is known about preoperative mood and attitudinal factors and their potential relationship with pain outcomes.

PURPOSE

This prospective, longitudinal study investigated the influence of preoperative depression, stress, and optimism on pain severity and interference with functioning, controlling for relevant demographic and clinical factors 1 year postoperatively.

METHODS

Participants (N = 180, mean age = 48.2 years) completed scales assessing pain severity and interference both preoperatively and postoperatively. Demographics, depression, stress, optimism, and body mass index were assessed preoperatively. Physicians assessed extent of knee osteoarthritis during surgery.

RESULTS

Hierarchical regression analyses controlling for relevant demographic and clinical variables revealed that optimism and stress were significant predictors of pain severity at 1 year but not pain interference. Extent of osteoarthritis predicted pain interference.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support that optimism and stress are important predictors of patient-rated pain severity. They do not, however, predict the extent to which pain interferes with daily functioning.

Mediators of the relationship between social support and positive health practices in pregnant women

BACKGROUND

Literature suggests that there is a need to study a broadly conceived variable of positive health practices in pregnant women and to examine theoretically related variables that help to explain positive health practices in pregnant women.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to examine the association between social support and positive health practices in pregnant women and to further test this relationship by examining two mediational variables: perceived health status and optimism.

METHOD

A convenience sample of 152 pregnant women attending childbirth education classes completed the four study instruments and a demographic data sheet.

RESULTS

Social support was related positively to positive health practices; this relationship was basic to both mediational models. In the first mediational model, social support was related positively to perceived health status, and perceived health status was related positively to positive health practices, but perceived health status was not a complete mediator of the social support-positive health practices relationship, as determined by regression analyses. In the second mediational model, social support was related positively to optimism, and optimism was related positively to positive health practices, but optimism was not a complete mediator of the social support-positive health practices relationship, as determined by regression analyses.

DISCUSSION

Positive health practices in pregnant women are related positively to social support, perceived health status, and optimism. In terms of theory building, neither perceived health status nor optimism help to explain the social support-positive health practices relationship. Replication of this study with a more diverse sample is one recommendation for future study.

Dispositional optimism and health behaviour in community-dwelling older people: associations with healthy ageing

OBJECTIVE

Dispositional optimism measured with the Life Orientation Test has been associated with a variety of health outcomes. We assessed whether optimism was related to indices of healthy ageing, and if effects were mediated through health behaviours.

METHOD

A community sample of 128 men and women aged 65 to 80 years was recruited from general practice lists. Optimism and health behaviours were assessed by questionnaire, and healthy ageing indexed by physical health summary scores from the Short Form 36, and by self-rated health.

RESULTS

Optimism was associated with not smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, brisk walking, and vigorous physical activities (women only), independently of socio-demographic factors and clinical condition. Physical health status was associated with optimism, independently of socio-demographic factors, clinical condition, negative affectivity, and body mass. This effect was attenuated when health behaviours were taken into account. Self-rated health was also positively related to optimism, and this association was not mediated by health behaviours. Neither the optimism nor pessimism subscales of the Life Orientation Test showed as consistent effects as the full scale.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that dispositional optimism is associated with healthy ageing. The relationship between optimism and healthy ageing was only partly mediated by the health behaviours assessed in this sample.

Optimistic attitudes protect against progression of carotid atherosclerosis in healthy middle-aged women

OBJECTIVE

Optimistic people report a higher quality of life, engage in more active coping and adopt more health-promoting behaviors than people low in optimism, ie, pessimism. We evaluated whether pessimists are more likely to show progression in carotid disease than optimists.

METHODS

A total of 209 middle-aged healthy premenopausal women enrolled in an epidemiological study of cardiovascular risk factors and had carotid scans 10.4 years and 13.5 years later when they were at least 5 years postmenopausal. Women completed the Life Orientation Test (LOT), a measure of pessimistic and optimistic attitudes, at study entry and at the time of the first carotid scan. Analyses evaluated the association of LOT scores and change in carotid intima medial thickness (IMT) across 3 years.

RESULTS

Multiple linear regression analyses showed that the higher the pessimism scores at study entry, the greater the increase in mean IMT (beta = 0.17, p <.007). A comparison of those in the lowest quartile of LOT scores (most optimistic) with those in the other three quartiles showed that the most optimistic group had less progression than the remaining more pessimistic women (mean percent increase = 1.3 and 6.0 for mean IMT, F = 15.4, p <.001). Women who were chronically optimistic at study entry and at the first carotid scan (bottom quartiles at both times) had less progression in mean IMT than did those who were chronically pessimistic (top quartiles at both times).

CONCLUSIONS

Optimistic women are less likely to show progression of carotid disease in mid-life than are pessimists.

Dispositional pessimism predicts illness-related disruption of social and recreational activities among breast cancer patients

The authors tested whether dispositional pessimism would predict withdrawal from social activities among women treated for breast cancer. In a cross-sectional sample 3-12 months postsurgery, disruption of social and recreational activities (measured by the Sickness Impact Profile) correlated with concurrently assessed pessimism. This association appeared mediated by emotional distress and fatigue. A longitudinal sample was studied shortly postsurgery and over the next year. Initial pessimism predicted disruption of social activities concurrently and prospectively (3, 6, and 12 months later) but predicted change in disruption from one time to the next only at final follow-up. These associations appeared partially mediated by distress. The authors conclude that pessimism places patients at risk for adverse outcomes in several respects rather than solely with regard to emotional distress.

Lifestyle behaviours of young adult survivors of childhood cancer

This cross-sectional study collected baseline data on the health behaviours of a large population of survivors of childhood cancer in the UK, aged 18-30 years, compared with those of sex- and age-matched controls. Data from 178 young adult survivors of childhood cancer, diagnosed and treated at Bristol Children's Hospital, 184 peers from the survivors' GP practices and 67 siblings were collected by postal questionnaire. Conditional logistic regression analysis showed that, for matched sets of survivors and controls, survivors of a variety of childhood cancers reported lower levels of alcohol consumption (P=0.005), lower levels of cigarette smoking (P=0.027) and lower levels of recreational drug use (P=0.001) than controls. Analysis of matched sets of survivors and siblings showed similar trends but no significant differences. A health behaviour index for each participant was constructed from the data collected on five key health behaviours which influence future health status. Comparison of the means for each case group showed that survivors of childhood cancer were leading healthier lives than controls or siblings. This finding was expressed most clearly as the difference in the means of the health behaviour index for each case group, derived from five health behaviours (one-way ANOVA, P<0.001).

Health behaviour among black and white South Africans

Four important health behaviours--dietary fat avoidance, regular exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption--were assessed by questionnaire, together with measures of risk awareness, health status, health benefits, subjective health and well-being. The sample included 250 Blacks and 250 Whites chosen by systematic random sampling from telephone directories in formerly White and Black urban areas in the Northern Province of South Africa. Results indicate that Blacks avoided more fat and cholesterol, smoked less and drunk less alcohol than Whites did, while Whites exercised more than Blacks did. Blacks saw more health benefits in not smoking and avoiding fat than Whites did, while Whites rated more importance to regular exercise than Blacks. Among Blacks and Whites significant gender differences were found; on average women's behaviour was more healthy in terms of not smoking, limited or no alcohol consumption and the avoidance of fat and cholesterol, but there were no such differences for the practice of exercise. Lower socio-economic status was among Whites associated with avoidance of fat and among Blacks with non-smoking. Risk awareness in relation to disease was higher among Blacks than among Whites. The strongest predictors for various health behaviours were gender, ethnicity and age.

Gesundheitsverhalten von Grundschulkindern:

Zusammenfassung. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war zu prüfen, ob Geschlechtsunterschiede im Gesundheitsverhalten im Grundschulalter durch Geschlechtsunterschiede in der defensiven Emotionsregulation erklärt werden können. Bei 248 Grundschulkindern wurden die defensive Emotionsregulation, das Gesundheitsverhalten sowie der Body-Mass-Index erfasst. Die Selbstberichtsdaten der Kinder wurden anhand der Mutterurteile validiert. Ferner wurde die Anzahl der krankheitsbedingten Fehltage in der Schule (Mutterbericht) erhoben. Die Ergebnisse zeigen u.a., dass Mädchen mehr auf ihre Zahnhygiene achten, vorsichtiger im Straßenverkehr teilnehmen, sich gesünder ernähren, weniger Interesse für Sport sowie für Fernsehen bzw. für das Spielen mit dem Computer zeigen, täglich länger schlafen und gefährliche Spiele meiden. Während Geschlechtsunterschiede im Sporttreiben und bei gefährlichen Spielen auf Jungen mit hoher defensiver Emotionsregulation zurückzuführen sind, spielen Jungen mit niedriger Defensivität länger mit dem Computer. Diese nichtdefensiven Jungen weisen auch das höchste relative Körpergewicht auf, fehlen aber seltener in der Schule. Unter Berücksichtigung der Ergebnisse werden die Kosten und der Nutzen der defensiven Emotionsregulation für das Gesundheitsverhalten diskutiert.

HEALTH-PROMOTING LIFESTYLES AND PERSONALITY AMONG BLACK SOUTH AFRICAN STUDENTS

The aim of this study was to investigate health-promoting lifestyles (HPLP) and personality in black South African students. The sample included 606 students: 236 Grade 12, secondary school and 370 first year social science university students in South Africa. Results indicate a reasonable percentage of health-promoting lifestyles with a mean of 2.72. Secondary school students reported more overall health-promoting lifestyles than did university students. Multiple stepwise regression identified the Lie scale, Neuroticism, and Psychoticism as independent predictors for the total HPLP; Extraversion, gender and group (=secondary or university students) were excluded.

PSYCHOSOCIAL CORRELATES OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLES IN BLACK AND WHITE SOUTH AFRICANS

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of healthy practices among 250 Black and 250 White South Africans chosen by systematic random sampling. Results indicated that Blacks practiced on average above 7 and Whites above 8 healthy behaviors from a total of 13. For most healthy practices significant differences were found between Whites and Blacks. Analysis of Variance showed that a number of sociodemographic variables, health benefits, subjective health and subjective well-being were positively associated with healthy practices. Multiple stepwise regression analysis found that independent predictors for the health practices index were women, having children, Whites, formal education, and worse health status.

Health Behaviour in Black South African University Students

Four important health behaviours – dietary fat avoidance, regular exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption - were assessed by questionnaire, together with measures of risk awareness, beliefs about the importance of each behaviour for health, health status, health locus and health value. The sample included 793 Black University students from non-health courses chosen at random from the University of the North, South Africa. The students were 370 (46.7%) males and 423 (53.3%) females in the age range of 18 to 25 years (M age 21.0 years, SD=3.48). The following prevalences for healthy behaviour was found: almost half (44.7%) avoided fat and cholesterol and likewise 48% had exercised in the past 14 days. More than 90% were non-smokers and 84% were non-drinkers or drank alcohol only very occasionally. Sex emerged as an independent predictor for smoking and drinking. Men smoked and drank more than women did. The level of risk awareness about healthy behaviour seemed to be low in this sample. Risk awareness and prevalence of health behaviour was only found to have significant effects for non-smoking and not for the other health behaviours (exercise, fat intake, alcohol consumption). Beliefs were more important independent predictors of dietary fat intake and exercises than was risk awareness.