Lifestyle

 Infertility treatment provides a good opportunity for implementing preconception care. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of training based on Pender's health promotion model on infertile women’s lifestyle and self-efficacy in the preconception period.

This is a quasi-experimental study using a non-randomized, pre-test and post-test design with a control group. It was conducted in the in vitro fertilization unit of a teaching hospital in Istanbul, Turkey in 2022. Three training sessions were provided to the intervention group (n=57) using Pender's health promotion model at the beginning and weeks 4 and 8 following intervention. The control group (n=57) was provided routine standard care without any training. Data were collected at the beginning (pre-test) and week 8 (post-test) using the demographic questionnaire, Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale, and Infertility Self-Efficacy Scale–Short Form. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 24 using independent t-test, analysis of covariance, chi-square, and paired t-test.

After training, the average post-test HLSBS-II score of the intervention group (152.71±22.61) was revealed to be significantly higher than that of the control group (133.17±20.78) (F= 18.718, P<0.05). While the average pre-test and post-test TISE-SF scores did not differ in the intervention group after the training (t= 0.526, p>0.05), the average post-test score of the control group decreased significantly in comparison with the pre-test score (t= 2.951, P<0.05).

It was found that training based on Pender's health promotion model positively affects infertile women’s lifestyle. Further studies are needed to examine self-efficacy following training in infertile women.

 Menopause is one of the most important situations in which a healthy lifestyle becomes especially important. A health-promoting lifestyle could play a role in the prevention and control of diseases. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of positive psychological intervention on health-promoting lifestyle in postmenopausal women.

This randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 70 postmenopausal women who were randomly selected from women referred to the comprehensive health centers of Urmia, Iran between 2022 and 2023. The subjects were randomly assigned to two intervention and control groups. The women in the intervention group received positive psychological intervention during six sessions of 90 minutes weekly, and the control group did not receive any intervention. Walker's Health Promotion Lifestyle Questionnaire was used to collect data. Kolmogorov Smirnov, independent t, paired t, Mann-Whitney, and Chi Square tests were used to analyze the data.

The difference in the average score of the total health-promoting lifestyle before and after intervention in the intervention group (11.68 ± 5.02) was significant compared to the control group (-2.25 ± 2.48) (P=0.000).

Based on the findings of the current research, the use of positive psychological intervention is recommended as an effective psychological intervention to improve the lifestyle of postmenopausal women.

Chronic renal failure and hemodialysis treatment not only affect the physical health of patients, but also jeopardize other aspects of their health, including psychological and social aspects, and reduce their quality of life.

Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of a training intervention developed based on Pender’s health promotion model on the lifestyle of patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Adopting a pre-test and post-test design with a control group, this quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2022 on 60 hemodialysis patients visiting Ali Ibn Abi Talib and Khatam al-Anbiya hospitals in Zahedan, Iran. The patients were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two intervention and control groups (30 persons in each group). The participants in the intervention group received training based on Pender's health promotion model in six areas (nutrition, physical activity, health responsibility, interpersonal relationships, stress management, and self-actualization) during six 45-minute training sessions. Data were collected using Walker’s (1987) health-promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP-II) which was completed in three stages (before the intervention, one month, and three months after the intervention). Data were analyzed using the independent samples t-test, chi-square test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significant level (P < 0.05).

The data analysis revealed that the mean total lifestyle scores before the intervention were not significantly different in the two groups (P = 0.47). However, the mean total lifestyle score of patients in the intervention group increased compared to the control group one month and three months after the intervention, repeated measures ANOVA did not show a significant interaction effect of time and group (P = 0.06). Similarly, the results of repeated measures ANOVA did not show any significant difference in terms of health responsibility (P = 0.61), stress management (P = 0.94) and relationships/social support (P = 0.22). Given the significant interaction effect of time and group in the repeated measures ANOVA in the dimensions of nutrition (P < 0.001), physical activity (P < 0.001), and self-actualization (P < 0.03), point-by-point comparisons were performed again by time and group with Bonferroni correction. The results showed that the mean score of nutrition significantly improved one and three months after the intervention compared to the pre-intervention phase (P < 0.001).

The findings implied that the training intervention based on Pender’s health promotion model clinically improved the lifestyle of patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, sustaining continuous and lasting changes requires supportive programs and long-term monitoring. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to evaluate the effects of the intervention using the Pender approach.

Today, psychologists have become interested in examining the factors related to the emotional adjustment of students who face many mental challenges. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of Islamic lifestyle and spiritual vitality in predicting students’ emotional adjustment.

The present study was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population included 2 128 students from Farhangian University of South Khorasan in 2023, of whom 319 students were included in the study using a stratified sampling method. The data collection tools included Farahbakhsh’s emotional adjustment questionnaires (2011), Chirian and Afroz’s spiritual vitality (2016), and Kaviani’s Islamic lifestyle (2009). Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 26 using Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis.

The results showed a positive and significant correlation between Islamic lifestyle (r=0.609), spiritual vitality (r=0.677), and emotional compatibility (P<0.01). Islamic lifestyle components explained 37% and spiritual vitality explained 45.8% of the variance in students’ emotional adjustment.

The results showed that Islamic lifestyle and spiritual vitality could predict the emotional adjustment of Farhangian University students. Therefore, planners and mental health offices of universities should consider the components of Islamic lifestyle and spiritual vitality.

With increasing access to the internet and social networks, women are recognized as active users in this space, and this can have a profound impact on their lives. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between lifestyle and e-health literacy in women attending health centers in Mashhad for usual care.

The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 322 women receiving usual care at health centers in Mashhad in 2023. The participants were selected using proportional stratified sampling method. The required data were collected using standard questionnaires on lifestyle and electronic health literacy. The data were analyzed using chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient tests in SPSS version 25.0. The significance level was set at 0.05.

The mean age of the participants was 35.74±11.11 years. The mean lifestyle score was 150.51±25.53 (in the range of 61-210) and the mean score of electronic health literacy was 24.72±7.62 (in the range of 8-40). Statistically significant correlations were found between e-health literacy and psychological health (P=0.006), social health (P=0.005), drug abuse avoidance (P=0.02), accident prevention (P=0.001), and environmental health (P=0.001). Among lifestyle dimensions, the weight control and nutrition dimension were related to e-health literacy as a protective effect. Additionally, the two factors of drug avoidance and environmental health acted as the risk factors of e-health literacy.

A statistically significant relationship was found between women’s e-health literacy and mean scores of lifestyle dimensions (psychological health, social health, drug avoidance, accident prevention, and environmental health). E-health literacy plays an important role in promoting a healthy lifestyle among women by providing easy access to health information as well as education based on modern technologies. The development of educational programs based on electronic technologies can help improve women’s health and quality of life.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a prevalent issue affecting females of all ages, significantly impacting their quality of life and social well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between health-promoting lifestyle components and PMS symptoms among Iranian medical students.

A cross-sectional study was conducted using cluster random sampling. The study sample consisted of a total of 144 medical students studying at a prestigious medical science university in Iran. Data were collected using a demographic and menstrual characteristics checklist, a premenstrual syndrome symptom questionnaire (PSQ), and a health promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP). Data were analyzed using a multiple linear regression model at a significance level of 0.05.

The mean score for PMS symptoms was 34.55 (SD = 8.64), while the mean score for healthy lifestyle was 117 (SD = 21.32). The most common PMS symptoms were food cravings (56.9%) and sleep disturbances (49.3%). According to the results of single and multiple linear regression analyses, stress management (β=-0.216, p=0.034) and self-actualization (β=-0.288, p=0.016) had the most significant effect on PSQ, explaining approximately 16% of the variance in PMS symptoms.

Based on these findings, self-actualization and stress management were related to PMS symptoms. Improving health-promoting lifestyle behaviors, especially in the mental dimension, may also help alleviate PMS symptoms in students.

Performing health-promoting behaviors is the most important and effective factor in maintaining the health of the elderly. Therefore, this study investigated health promotion behaviors and their related factors among the elderly population in Gorgan city.

This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2023. Using a multistage sampling method, four comprehensive health centers in Gorgan city, Iran, were randomly selected, and a total of 170 elderly individuals aged over 60 years were conveniently recruited into the study. Data were collected using the standardized Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP–II) questionnaire. After data collection, the data were analyzed and reported using SPSS version 26 software and parametric statistical tests, including t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient, at a significance level of less than 0.05.

In this study, 44.1% of the elderly were male and 55.9% were female. The mean age of the participants was reported as 66.70 ± 7.23 years. A statistically significant difference was observed between the mean score of health promotion behaviors and demographic variables, including education level, economic status, and presence of underlying diseases (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation results indicated a positive correlation between health promotion behaviors and their subdomains (p < 0.05). The highest mean score was related to the interpersonal relations domain (32.28), while the lowest score belonged to the physical activity domain (13.52).

Considering the results and the importance of health-promoting behaviors, particularly the low average scores in physical activity and stress management, it is necessary to emphasize these areas. Implementing continuous education programs based on elderly surveys, alongside strategic planning to encourage their active participation in health-related matters, can enhance health promotion among the elderly population.

Older people need to follow a healthy lifestyle to lead fulfilling lives. This study aimed to investigate the impact of lifestyle education in Iranian medicine on the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of the elderly regarding the reform of nutritional habits in 2022. 

This research is an interventional study that was conducted on 220 elderly in Fariman, Iran. The subjects were divided into an intervention group and a control group by random cluster sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of knowledge, attitude, and behavior assessments related to nutritional habit modification, which was psychometrically validated. Both groups completed the questionnaires at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at a two-month follow-up. Analysis of the data was conducted utilizing SPSS, software, version 23, with statistical significance set at P<0.05. 

The baseline level of knowledge was not significantly different between the two groups (P<0.001); however, at the 2-month follow-up, there was a significant difference between the two groups (P>0.001). The baseline level of attitude and the 2-month follow-up did not show a significant difference between the two groups (P˂0.001). The baseline level of behavior was not significantly different between the two groups, (P˂0.001); however, at the 2-month follow-up, there was a significant difference between the two groups (P˃0.001).

Changes in the behavior of the elderly two months after the educative intervention were significant, and changing the behavior is the most important goal of educational interventions. Hence, it is recommended to carry out such educational interventions for older adults.

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) became a public health threat to global public health in late 2019. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between lifestyle factors and the COVID-19 epidemiological indicators, including cumulative incidence rate, the cumulative rate of death, recovery rate, and case fatality rate. In this ecological study, aggregate data were used. Information about COVID-19 for each country was retrieved from https://www.worldometers.info/ from the date of the first report until November 30th, 2020. The information on the prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity in 2019 was collected from https://www.indexmundi.com/. Moreover, the information on the prevalence of physical inactivity was obtained from the WHO website. We drew scatter plots of lifestyle factors based on COVID-19 indices. Results showed that the cumulative incidence rate and cumulative rate of death had significant direct correlations with the prevalence of obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption (P<0.05). This means that the countries with a high prevalence of obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption had increased indicators such as the cumulative incidence rate and cumulative rate of death (P<0.05). There were also significant inverse correlations between the recovery rate and the prevalence of smoking and alcohol consumption (P<0.05). There are significant correlations between the cumulative incidence rate, the cumulative rate of death, and the recovery rate of COVID-19 with unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. Therefore, it is necessary to develop lifestyle modification strategies that can lead to reduction of the morbidity and mortality of this disease.

Oral health issues, such as dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer, represent significant challenges to global health. Proper and balanced nutrition plays a vital role in this context, as it is fundamental to overall health, which includes the condition of the oral cavity and teeth. Nutrition pertains to the specific nutrients absorbed by the body, while diet encompasses all nutrients and non-nutrients consumed. The quality of nutrition directly influences the growth, development, and metabolic functions of the periodontium. A deficiency in essential nutrients can lead to changes in the primary factors associated with periodontal diseases, and dietary choices can significantly influence the progression of these ailments. This review article provides a meta-analysis of the existing literature to evaluate the effects of dietary and lifestyle factors on the prevention of oral health problems.

A systematic review of studies was performed from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from 2000 onward to investigate the connections between specific dietary components, lifestyle habits, and oral health outcomes.

The findings indicate notable correlations among elevated consumption of processed sugars, inadequate oral hygiene, and the use of tobacco and alcohol, all of which increase the likelihood of developing oral diseases. Conversely, a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, and vital nutrients, along with consistent oral hygiene practices, is linked to a lower risk of these health issues.

This meta-analysis highlights the essential role that dietary and lifestyle modifications play in strategies aimed at preventing oral diseases

The current study aims to compare the effects of medication and lifestyle changes with medication alone on the quality of sleep in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The study uses a mixed-methods approach to design a treatment for children with ADHD. It employs inductive thematic analysis to identifiy problems, and create a lifestyle modification package. The package is reviewed and approved by a panel of experts. The study evaluates the effects of two interventions on children with ADHD and sleep problems using a quasi-experimental design. The population consists of 7-11-year-olds from the Felavarjan region, diagnosed with ADHD and experiencing sleep issues. The study involves a combination of drug therapy and lifestyle modification, drug therapy alone, or no intervention. The findings show that, when compared to the control group, there is a significant difference in sleep quality between the experimental groups that received medication and lifestyle adjustment and those that received medication alone (P<0.05). Children's sleep quality was significantly enhanced by the combination of medicine and lifestyle change, which proved to be more effective than medication alone. Lifestyle change combined with medication were found to be more effective in improving sleep quality in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder compared to medication alone. Based on the findings of the present study, lifestyle modification is suggested as a complementary approach to pharmacotherapy for reducing problems and improving sleep quality in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Male infertility is a common issue that affects people worldwide and presents challenges in terms of treatment. In recent times, there has been significant interest in the use of herbal remedies as a potential solution for male infertility. In this study, we aimed to assess and compare the effects of clomiphene, carrot seed, and education based on traditional Persian medicine on the sperm parameters in idiopathic male infertility.

Sixty male patients experiencing infertility were randomly divided into four groups: Clomiphene, Clomiphene + Carrot, Clomiphene + Lifestyle modification, and Clomiphene + Carrot + Lifestyle modification. In the herbal group, patients received four capsules of carrot seeds, for a total of 2 g daily for 90 days. Meanwhile, subjects in the Clomiphene group were administered one tablet of clomiphene, containing 50 mg, per day for a duration of 90 days. Sperm parameters were analyzed at the beginning and end of the study.

After the 90-day intervention, the groups that received clomiphene combined with carrot and lifestyle interventions showed significant improvements in various sperm parameters. These improvements were statistically significant compared to the control group.

The combination of carrot seeds along with clomiphene and education based on traditional Persian medicine was found to improve sperm parameters in cases of idiopathic male infertility without any adverse effects.

Context: 

Traditional medicine (TM) is widely used and holds significant potential for increasing Primary Health Care (PHC) coverage and achieving universal health coverage (UHC), especially in developing countries. Persian medicine (PM), an ancient form of TM, encompasses lifestyle principles known as "Hifz-o-Siha," which aim to maintain and improve health.This study seeks to explore whether lifestyle modifications based on PM can effectively promote health within the framework of PHC.

We conducted searches across various databases, including Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Our search terms included Traditional medicine, Persian, Iranian, Health maintenance, Education, and Primary health care.

Three randomized clinical trials conducted between 2017 and 2019 examined the impact of educating individuals about PM's lifestyle principles on their quality of life and healthcare utilization. The results indicated significant improvements in all measured outcomes. Furthermore, six clinical trials focused on PM dietary modifications in the treatment of conditions such as obesity, infertility, nephrotic syndrome, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In all these studies, PM diets demonstrated significant efficacy compared to conventional medicine.

Lifestyle modifications based on PM recommendations have the potential to positively influence PHC and promote overall health. However, the incorporation of PM into national health systems faces challenges, primarily due to the limited availability of supporting evidence.