Lifestyle Behaviors of Childhood and Adolescence: Contributing Factors, Health Consequences, and Potential Interventions

A comparative study of healthy lifestyle behaviors and related factors among Iranian male and female adolescents: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Adolescent health requires focused attention due to their vulnerability to risky behaviors and emerging health challenges such as mental health disorders, non-communicable diseases and unhealthy lifestyle patterns. This study, therefore, explored and compared healthy lifestyle behaviors and associated factors among Iranian male and female adolescents.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in first and second high schools in the Iran 2023. Sampling was done first in clusters and then simple random sampling (N = 500). Data were collected using a demographic characteristic and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) questionnaires. The inclusion criteria were obtaining written consent form to participate and the absence of any physical or mental disabilities. The exclusion criteria included withdrawal of consent during the study and incomplete completion of the questionnaires. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, independent t-tests, and linear multiple regression, were performed using SPSS version 22, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between the mean score of physical activity and gender (p < 0.05). In the male adolescents, an inverse correlation was observed between age and the total score of health-promoting behaviors across all dimensions. Furthermore, a direct correlation was identified between stress management with both adolescents' grade and father's education level. Additionally, there was a positive relationship between nutrition dimension with the presence of parents within the household, as well as the status of having a mother who is a housewife (p-value < 0.05). Among females, there was a negative significant relationship between health-promoting behaviors total score and its three dimensiones of physical activity, spiritual growth, and health responsibility with of age and grade of adolescents. Also, there was a positive correlation between nutrition dimention and presence of parents in the family (p-value < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Fmale adolescents reported lower physical activity levels than males. These findings underscore the importance of paying attention to promoting physical activity in adolescent females. A notable finding was the decline in health-promoting behaviours with age among both genders. This suggests that interventions begin early in adolescence and address the unique challenges that older adolescents face, such as academic pressures and increased autonomy.

Correlation Study Between Dietary Behaviors, Lifestyle, and Psychological Problems in Chinese Children Aged 3-7

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the psychological health status of children aged 3-7 years in Wuxi and analyze the correlation between dietary behaviors, lifestyle, and psychological problems.

METHODS

Using a stratified cluster random sampling method, 3-7-year-old children from 18 kindergartens across Wuxi were selected as the survey subjects. An online survey was conducted to collect demographic information about children and their parents, dietary information, lifestyle data, and family backgrounds. Psychological assessments were conducted using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

RESULTS

A total of 3727 preschool children were included. The average SDQ score was 16.12 ± 4.00, with an abnormal rate of 40.81% (1521/3727). After adjusting for various confounding factors, logistic regression analysis indicated that low dietary diversity (OR = 1.299, 95% CI: 1.131-1.492), daily consumption of ultra-processed foods (OR = 1.202, 95% CI: 1.051-1.376), picky eating behavior or ideas occurring more than twice per week (OR = 1.405, 95% CI: 1.227-1.608), engaging in other activities while eating (such as watching TV or playing with toys) more than twice per week (OR = 1.742, 95% CI: 1.510-2.011), lack of a fixed dining position (OR = 1.222, 95% CI: 1.012-1.476), daily screen time exceeding 1 h (OR = 1.353, 95% CI: 1.152-1.590), and daily sleep duration of less than 9 h or more than 13 h (OR = 1.535, 95% CI: 1.262-1.866) were risk factors for psychological problems.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions addressing insufficient dietary diversity, distracted eating, excessive screen time, and unhealthy sleep habits to improve the psychological well-being of preschool children. Future studies should explore the effectiveness of tailored health and lifestyle interventions for children and their families to mitigate these risks.

EULAR points to consider for patient education in physical activity and self-management of pain during transitional care

OBJECTIVES

A EULAR task force was convened to develop points to consider (PtC) for patient education in physical activity and self-management of pain in young people with juvenile-onset rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases during transitional care.

METHODS

A task force of 26 people from 10 European countries followed the EULAR Standardised Operating Procedures to establish overarching principles (OAPs) and PtC based on a literature review and expert consensus. Level of evidence (LoE), grade of recommendation (GoR) and level of agreement (LoA) were determined.

RESULTS

Two OAPs and seven PtC were formulated. The OAPs highlight the importance of personalised transitional care in rheumatology, ideally based on shared decision-making and incorporate interactive education to empower young individuals in managing their physical activity and pain. The PtC emphasise the clinical importance of patient education in these areas to improve readiness to transfer from paediatric to adult care. For two PtC, the GoR was moderate (grade B), based on individual cohort study (LoE 2b). For the remaining five PtC, the GoR was weak (grade D), based on expert opinion (LoE 5). The LoA among the task force was high, ranging from 9.4 to 9.8, except for one PtC that was 8.7.

CONCLUSION

These EULAR PtC establish guidance on best practices for delivering patient education in physical activity and self-management of pain during transitional care in rheumatology. The adoption of these PtC in clinical settings is recommended to standardise and optimise transitional care across European healthcare systems. Additionally, the task force expects that these PtC will drive future research and potentially shape policies across Europe.