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Interventions to Enhance an Active Lifestyle in High-Risk Populations

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2021) | Viewed by 15788

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Winifred Anne Gebhardt

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Guest Editor

Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden Research Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Faculty, Leiden University, 2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands
Interests: health behavior change; goal processes; identity; lifestyle interventions; implementation

Dr. Eline Meijer

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Guest Editor

Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 AK Leiden, The Netherlands
Interests: health behavior change; socio-economic status; eHealth; identity; smoking; implementation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The current worldwide coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has once again shown the importance of a healthy lifestyle, which includes being sufficiently physically active. An inactive lifestyle is one of the key preventable risk factors for developing a range of (chronic) diseases. However, meeting physical activity guidelines is difficult for most people, and even more for so for people at high risk of illness who would benefit the most from being physically active. High-risk populations include, amongst others, people with a lower socio-economic status or an ethnic minority background, people at high risk of, or diagnosed with, inactivity-related diseases, and people with low (health) literacy. Although these populations are in need of effective interventions to help them achieve an active lifestyle, the proposed programs are often not sufficiently tailored to their needs. For this Special Issue, we invite the submission of studies that can contribute to reducing health inequities by investigating interventions that enhance an active lifestyle in high-risk populations.

This Special Issue focuses on, but not exclusively, the following topics:

Face-to-face, eHealth or blended interventions
Development, evaluation, and/or implementation of interventions
Processes of behavioural change to enhance an active lifestyle

Methodologies may include, but are not limited to, randomized controlled trials, non-controlled trials, within-subject studies, ecological momentary assessments, proof-of-concept studies, and (co-creation or user-centered) intervention development projects; systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses examining the effectiveness of (components of) interventions targeting active lifestyle are also of interest. We welcome quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies.

Dr. Winifred Anne Gebhardt
Dr. Eline Meijer
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Active lifestyle / physical activity
High-risk populations
Interventions
Chronic disease
(Mixed) methods

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 519 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“With Enthusiasm and Energy throughout the Day”: Promoting a Physically Active Lifestyle in People with Intellectual Disability by Using a Participatory Approach

by Antonia Mauro, Dirk Bruland and Änne-Dörte Latteck

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12329; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182312329 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1748

Abstract

People with intellectual disabilities have a comparatively low level of physical activity and are affected by associated numerous impairments and diseases. However, target group specific interventions and concepts aiming at sustainable physical activity-related behavior change in everyday life are rare and the needs and perspectives of the target group have hardly been considered so far. Therefore, a target-group oriented intervention was developed. The research and developmental process was characterized by a participatory approach, involving people with intellectual disabilities throughout the whole process. For example, the interview guideline, design of the interview situation and ways of communicating were developed in a participatory manner. Twenty-four qualitative interviews with people with intellectual disabilities were conducted to explore individual physical activity-related experiences and strategies. Individual and contextual influences on physical activity were identified. Interview results were used to conceptualize an intervention that aims at promoting physical activity in the everyday life of people with intellectual disabilities by strengthening their self-management strategies. The intervention was tested in practice and modified based on communicative validation methods. Good acceptance in the long term is also expected, as the intervention takes place in people’s living environment, is socially embedded and builds upon the needs of the target group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interventions to Enhance an Active Lifestyle in High-Risk Populations)

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10 pages, 309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Effectiveness of a Community Capacity Building Program for the Wellness of Traditional Marketplace Merchants: A Pilot Study

by Yeojoo Chae and Yeongmi Ha

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 12238; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182212238 - 22 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1348

Abstract

Merchants in the traditional marketplace are exposed to poor working conditions, such as long working hours, musculoskeletal stress, lack of physical activity, irregular meal times, and nutritional imbalance. This study aimed to develop a community capacity-building program for the wellness of traditional marketplace merchants and examine its effectiveness. A total of 60 merchants from two traditional markets were allocated to an experimental group and control group. The program consisted of four sections: Training wellness leaders in the traditional marketplace, wellness, organizing wellness committee, and promoting wellness partnerships. The program was conducted over 12 weeks. Significant differences were observed in week 12 between the experimental and control groups in leadership (p = 0.010), health knowledge (p < 0.001), health self-efficacy (p = 0.016), wellness (p = 0.001), and community capacity (p = 0.038). The community capacity-building program for the wellness of traditional marketplace merchants was effective in improving marketplace merchants’ leadership, health knowledge, health self-efficacy, wellness, and community capacity. Therefore, it is recommended to actively utilize this community capacity program for market merchants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interventions to Enhance an Active Lifestyle in High-Risk Populations)

16 pages, 294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Qualitative Investigation on the Roles of Social Support on Physical Activity Behaviour among the Rural-Dwelling Older Women in Malaysia

by Thaneswaran Marthammuthu, Farizah Mohd Hairi, Wan Yuen Choo, Nur Afiqah Mohd Salleh and Noran Naqiah Hairi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9609; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18189609 - 12 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2328

Abstract

Despite many health benefits of physical activities, both physically and mentally, the majority of the older women in the rural areas of Malaysia are showing a low prevalence of physical activities. Understanding the roles of social support to improve physical activities is imperative to promote active and healthy ageing among the rural-dwelling older women in Malaysia. Hence, this qualitative study adopted an inductive design using 17 in-depth interviews to understand the role of social support on physical activity behaviour among the rural community-dwelling older woman in Kuala Pilah District, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia from December 2019 to January 2020. Three categories of themes were identified in this study. Firstly, adaptive social support in terms of informational, companionship and emotional supports reported enhancing physical activity levels among older women. Secondly, the absence of help and assistance from the social network asserts independence and triggers the older women to perform the activities by themselves, thus engage in physically active lifestyles. Thirdly, lacking social support demotivate older women to be engaged in physical activities. In particular, loss of companionship support, poor acceptance or appraisal support, logistic issues to attend exercise programmes and neighbourhood safety and security issues were among the main barriers of physical activities reported by the older women. The main findings of this study shed some light on the exigency of strengthening social support from the social network to engage the older women in physical activities. The roles of social media, effective patient-doctor communication and interventions targeting the spouses and family members must be strengthened to create a supportive atmosphere to enhance physical activity levels among older women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interventions to Enhance an Active Lifestyle in High-Risk Populations)

23 pages, 2164 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detecting and Treating Psychosocial and Lifestyle-Related Difficulties in Chronic Disease: Development and Treatment Protocol of the E-GOAL eHealth Care Pathway

by Cinderella K. Cardol, Judith Tommel, Henriët van Middendorp, Yvette Ciere, Jacob K. Sont, Andrea W. M. Evers and Sandra van Dijk

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3292; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18063292 - 23 Mar 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3610

Abstract

Many patients with lifestyle-related chronic diseases find it difficult to adhere to a healthy and active lifestyle, often due to psychosocial difficulties. The aim of the current study was to develop an eHealth care pathway aimed at detecting and treating psychosocial and lifestyle-related difficulties that fits the needs and preferences of individual patients across various lifestyle-related chronic diseases. Each intervention component was developed by (1) developing initial versions based on scientific evidence and/or the Behavior Change Wheel; (2) co-creation: acquiring feedback from patients and health professionals; and (3) refining to address users’ needs. In the final eHealth care pathway, patients complete brief online screening questionnaires to detect psychosocial and lifestyle-related difficulties, i.e., increased-risk profiles. Scores are visualized in personal profile charts. Patients with increased-risk profiles receive complementary questionnaires to tailor a 3-month guided web-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention to their priorities and goals. Progress is assessed with the screening tool. This systematic development process with a theory-based framework and co-creation methods resulted in a personalized eHealth care pathway that aids patients to overcome psychosocial barriers and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Prior to implementation in healthcare, randomized controlled trials will be conducted to evaluate its cost-effectiveness and effectiveness on psychosocial, lifestyle, and health-related outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interventions to Enhance an Active Lifestyle in High-Risk Populations)

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13 pages, 402 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of the Health-Awareness-Strengthening Lifestyle Program in a Randomized Trial of Young Adults with an At-Risk Mental State

by Ching-Lun Tsai, Ya-Wen Lin, Hsing-Chi Hsu, Mei-Ling Lou, Hsien-Yuan Lane, Cheng-Hao Tu and Wei-Fen Ma

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1959; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18041959 - 18 Feb 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3332

Abstract

Background: Increasing health awareness in health promotion is considered as one of the less stigmatized interventions for improving help-seeking behaviors and total well-being. This study aimed to explore the short-term and long-term effectiveness of the health-awareness-strengthening lifestyle (HASL) program on Taiwanese young adults with at-risk mental state. Methods: A pre- and post-test randomized trial was conducted on 92 young adults with at-risk mental state. The HASL program was provided to the experimental group as intervention, and it was only provided to the control group passively by request after the post-test for ethical reasons. The program was conducted once every six weeks, 60–90 min per session, for a total of three times. Mental health risk, anxiety level, health promotion lifestyles, quality of life, physiological index, and physical exercises were assessed one week before and after the program for both groups and followed up to 6 and 12 months for experimental group only. Results: Compared to the control group, those in the experimental group showed significant improvements regarding anxiety level, health promotion lifestyles, and quality of life one week after participating in the program. Furthermore, the experimental group also showed an additional long-term positive effect on mental risk, physical exercises, and physical health after the follow-ups. Conclusions: The outcomes highlighted the interventions of the HASL program leading to more positive health effects on young adults with at-risk mental state. The implementation of similar clinical service is recommended for young adults with at-risk mental state. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interventions to Enhance an Active Lifestyle in High-Risk Populations)

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Review

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19 pages, 1084 KiB

Open AccessReview

Developing and Disseminating Physical Activity Messages Targeting Parents: A Systematic Scoping Review

by Victoria Larocca, Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos, Jennifer R. Tomasone, Amy E. Latimer-Cheung and Rebecca L. Bassett-Gunter

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 7046; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18137046 - 01 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2576

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) messages have demonstrated success in targeting parent support for PA. However, little research exists to inform the development and dissemination of optimally effective PA messages targeting parents. A synthesis of existing literature is necessary to inform message development and dissemination strategies. Unique considerations for parents of children with disabilities (CWD) should be identified given a need for inclusive PA messaging that consider the needs of CWD and their families. Methods: Systematic scoping methodologies included a peer-reviewed literature search and expert consultation to identify literature regarding PA messages targeting parents, and considerations for parents of CWD. Results: Thirty-four articles that met eligibility criteria were included for examination. Twenty-eight studies were identified regarding the PA messages targeting parents; six themes and 12 subthemes emerged from these articles. Six studies were identified regarding unique considerations for parents of CWD; three themes and four subthemes emerged from these articles. Conclusions: Through knowledge synthesis, this research can contribute to a knowledge translation process to inform practice guidelines for the development and dissemination of PA messages targeting parents, while also providing unique considerations for PA messages targeting parents of CWD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interventions to Enhance an Active Lifestyle in High-Risk Populations)

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