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Kurt A, Dinç F, Güneş Şan E, Uzun İB. Development and validation of the climate change health protection behaviors scale for adolescents: a methodological study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:1-14. [PMID: 39037213 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2382903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to develop and validate the Climate Change Health Protection Behaviors Scale for adolescents. A total of 1036 adolescents were recruited from middle and high schools. The development of the assessment scale was carried out in three steps: item generation, content validity evaluation, and psychometric evaluation. Psychometric testing was conducted to determine the relationship between the resulting factors and the Healthy Lifestyle Belief Scale and Climate Change Awareness Scale. A 28-item scale was developed, consisting of four factors that account for 65.0% of the variance. The Cronbach's alpha value was 0.874. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between the Climate Change Health Protection Behaviors Scale and both the Climate Change Awareness Scale and the Healthy Lifestyle Belief Scale for adolescents. These results suggest that the Climate Change Health Protection Behaviors Scale is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating health protection behaviors related to climate change in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aylin Kurt
- Bartın University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Department, Pediatric Nursing, Bartın, Turkey
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2
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Qian Z, Beatrici E, Trinh QD, Kibel AS, Loeb S, Iyer HS, Cole AP. Climate change perception and its association with cancer screening intent. J Natl Cancer Inst 2024; 116:618-622. [PMID: 38086539 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
As the climate crisis deepens, its adverse effects on human health are becoming evident, including impacts on cancer pathogenesis and treatment. This study explored the link between individuals' awareness of the health impacts of climate change and interest in cancer screening. Using the 2021 Health Information National Trends Survey, our study demonstrated a statistically significant association between recognition of climate change as a personal health threat and interest in cancer screening. Although the study's retrospective nature and self-reported data pose some limitations, these findings signal a promising avenue for future research on the intersection of climate and cancer risk. This research supports the development of public health interventions that incorporate components of environmental health literacy alongside cancer screening efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyu Qian
- Department of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edoardo Beatrici
- Department of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Urology, Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Quoc-Dien Trinh
- Department of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adam S Kibel
- Department of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stacy Loeb
- Department of Urology and Population Health, New York University Langone Health and Manhattan Veterans Affairs, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hari S Iyer
- Section of Cancer Epidemiology and Health Outcomes, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Alexander P Cole
- Department of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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3
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Vecellio DJ, Lagoa CM, Conroy DE. Physical Activity Dependence on Relative Temperature and Humidity Characteristics in a Young, Insufficiently Active Population: A Weather Typing Analysis. J Phys Act Health 2024; 21:357-364. [PMID: 38290496 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2023-0438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity (PA) is an important contributor to one's physical and mental health both acutely and across the lifespan. Much research has done on the ambient environment's impact on PA; however, these studies have used absolute values of atmospheric measures such as temperature and humidity, which vary spatiotemporally and make comparisons between studies which differ in location or time of year difficult to square with one another. METHODS Here, we employ the Global Weather Type Classification, Version 2, to determine the combined impact of temperature and humidity on PA in a sample of insufficiently active young adults. We conducted secondary analyses of data from a single-group behavioral intervention trial that varied the number of digital messages sent daily. Young adults (n = 81) wore Fitbit Versa smartwatches for a 6-month period sometime between April 2019 and July 2020, and location was tracked using a custom smartphone application. RESULTS Mixed linear models indicated that, across 8179 person-days, PA was significantly lower on days with humid conditions and significantly higher on warm dry days, though the latter relationship was no longer significant when controlling for timing in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic declaration. Demographic factors did not affect the relationship between weather and PA. CONCLUSIONS Results are a first step in providing additional guidance for encouraging PA in insufficiently active individuals given forecasted daily weather conditions. Future work should examine seasonal variability in the weather type-PA relationship without the influence of a world-altering event influencing results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Vecellio
- Center for Healthy Aging, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Constantino M Lagoa
- School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - David E Conroy
- Center for Healthy Aging, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Kim M, Patrick K, Nebeker C, Godino J, Stein S, Klasnja P, Perski O, Viglione C, Coleman A, Hekler E. The Digital Therapeutics Real-World Evidence Framework: An Approach for Guiding Evidence-Based Digital Therapeutics Design, Development, Testing, and Monitoring. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e49208. [PMID: 38441954 PMCID: PMC10951831 DOI: 10.2196/49208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Digital therapeutics (DTx) are a promising way to provide safe, effective, accessible, sustainable, scalable, and equitable approaches to advance individual and population health. However, developing and deploying DTx is inherently complex in that DTx includes multiple interacting components, such as tools to support activities like medication adherence, health behavior goal-setting or self-monitoring, and algorithms that adapt the provision of these according to individual needs that may change over time. While myriad frameworks exist for different phases of DTx development, no single framework exists to guide evidence production for DTx across its full life cycle, from initial DTx development to long-term use. To fill this gap, we propose the DTx real-world evidence (RWE) framework as a pragmatic, iterative, milestone-driven approach for developing DTx. The DTx RWE framework is derived from the 4-phase development model used for behavioral interventions, but it includes key adaptations that are specific to the unique characteristics of DTx. To ensure the highest level of fidelity to the needs of users, the framework also incorporates real-world data (RWD) across the entire life cycle of DTx development and use. The DTx RWE framework is intended for any group interested in developing and deploying DTx in real-world contexts, including those in industry, health care, public health, and academia. Moreover, entities that fund research that supports the development of DTx and agencies that regulate DTx might find the DTx RWE framework useful as they endeavor to improve how DTxcan advance individual and population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meelim Kim
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- The Qualcomm Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- The Design Lab, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Kevin Patrick
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- The Qualcomm Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Camille Nebeker
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- The Qualcomm Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- The Design Lab, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Job Godino
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- The Qualcomm Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Laura Rodriguez Research Institute, Family Health Centers of San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Predrag Klasnja
- School of Information, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Olga Perski
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Clare Viglione
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Aaron Coleman
- Small Steps Labs LLC dba Fitabase Inc, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Eric Hekler
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- The Qualcomm Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- The Design Lab, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Goldney J, Henson J, Edwardson CL, Khunti K, Davies MJ, Yates T. Long-term ambient air pollution exposure and prospective change in sedentary behaviour and physical activity in individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes in the UK. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024; 46:e32-e42. [PMID: 38103023 PMCID: PMC10901272 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution may be a risk factor for physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour (SED) through discouraging active lifestyles, impairing fitness and contributing to chronic diseases with potentially important consequences for population health. METHODS Using generalized estimating equations, we examined the associations between long-term particulate matter with diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), ≤10 μm (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and annual change in accelerometer-measured SED, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and steps in adults at risk of type 2 diabetes within the Walking Away from Type 2 Diabetes trial. We adjusted for important confounders including social deprivation and measures of the built environment. RESULTS From 808 participants, 644 had complete data (1605 observations; 64.7% men; mean age 63.86 years). PM2.5, NO2 and PM10 were not associated with change in MVPA/steps but were associated with change in SED, with a 1 ugm-3 increase associated with 6.38 (95% confidence interval: 0.77, 12.00), 1.52 (0.49, 2.54) and 4.48 (0.63, 8.34) adjusted annual change in daily minutes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Long-term PM2.5, NO2 and PM10 exposures were associated with an annual increase in SED: ~11-22 min/day per year across the sample range of exposure (three standard deviations). Future research should investigate whether interventions to reduce pollution may influence SED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Goldney
- Diabetes Research Centre, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Gwendolen Rd, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
| | - Joseph Henson
- Diabetes Research Centre, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Gwendolen Rd, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and University of Leicester, Gwendolen Rd, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
| | - Charlotte L Edwardson
- Diabetes Research Centre, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Gwendolen Rd, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and University of Leicester, Gwendolen Rd, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
| | - Kamlesh Khunti
- Diabetes Research Centre, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Gwendolen Rd, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and University of Leicester, Gwendolen Rd, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
- Leicester Real World Evidence Unit, Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester, Gwendolen Rd, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
| | - Melanie J Davies
- Diabetes Research Centre, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Gwendolen Rd, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and University of Leicester, Gwendolen Rd, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
| | - Thomas Yates
- Diabetes Research Centre, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Gwendolen Rd, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and University of Leicester, Gwendolen Rd, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK
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Papies EK, Nielsen KS, Soares VA. Health psychology and climate change: time to address humanity's most existential crisis. Health Psychol Rev 2024:1-31. [PMID: 38320578 DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2024.2309242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is an ongoing and escalating health emergency. It threatens the health and wellbeing of billions of people, through extreme weather events, displacement, food insecurity, pathogenic diseases, societal destabilisation, and armed conflict. Climate change dwarfs all other challenges studied by health psychologists. The greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change disproportionately originate from the actions of wealthy populations in the Global North and are tied to excessive energy use and overconsumption driven by the pursuit of economic growth. Addressing this crisis requires significant societal transformations and individual behaviour change. Most of these changes will benefit not only the stability of the climate but will yield significant public health co-benefits. Because of their unique expertise and skills, health psychologists are urgently needed in crafting climate change mitigation responses. We propose specific ways in which health psychologists at all career stages can contribute, within the spheres of research, teaching, and policy making, and within organisations and as private citizens. As health psychologists, we cannot sit back and leave climate change to climate scientists. Climate change is a health emergency that results from human behaviour; hence it is in our power and responsibility to address it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther K Papies
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Metin ZE, Çelik ÖM, Koç N. Relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet, sustainable and healthy eating behaviors, and climate change awareness: A cross-sectional study from Turkey. Nutrition 2024; 118:112266. [PMID: 37988926 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2023.112266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet, sustainable and healthy eating behaviors, and climate change awareness in adults. METHODS This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 1797 adults ages 19-65 y. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, sustainable and healthy eating behaviors, and climate change awareness were ascertained through a questionnaire. RESULTS The mean age of the individuals was 27.5 ± 11.76 y, and 50.5% of the participants were adherent to the Mediterranean diet. A statistically significant difference was found between individuals who did and did not adhere to the Mediterranean diet in terms of age, income status, total score and subscores on the Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale, and subscores for information on climate change causes (P < 0.05). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS) total score, the Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale total score and subscores, and the Climate Change Awareness Scale total score and subscores (P < 0.05). It was determined that sex, education level, and income status affected the Climate Change Awareness Scale total score (P < 0.05). It was determined that age, income status, the Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale total score, and the Climate Change Awareness Scale total score affected the MEDAS total score (P < 0.05). Also, it was determined that age, sex, education level, MEDAS total score, and Climate Change Awareness Scale total score affected the Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale total score (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study showed a significant effect of climate change awareness on sustainable and healthy eating behaviors and adherence to the Mediterranean diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziya Erokay Metin
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Gülhane Health Sciences Faculty, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Özge Mengi Çelik
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Gülhane Health Sciences Faculty, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nevra Koç
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Gülhane Health Sciences Faculty, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
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Eykelenboom M, Mersch D, Grasso AC, Vellinga RE, Temme EH, Steenhuis IH, Olthof MR. The effects of health-related food taxes on the environmental impact of consumer food purchases: secondary analysis of data from a randomised controlled trial in a virtual supermarket. Public Health Nutr 2024; 27:e37. [PMID: 38224101 PMCID: PMC10897575 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980024000090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure the effects of health-related food taxes on the environmental impact of consumer food purchases in a virtual supermarket. DESIGN This is a secondary analysis of data from a randomised controlled trial in which participants were randomly assigned to a control condition with regular food prices (n 152), an experimental condition with a sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax (n 131) or an experimental condition with a nutrient profiling tax based on Nutri-Score (n 112). Participants were instructed to undertake their typical weekly grocery shopping for their households. Primary outcome measures were three environmental impact indicators: greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, land use and blue water use per household per week. Data were analysed using linear regression analyses. SETTING Three-dimensional virtual supermarket. PARTICIPANTS Dutch adults (≥ 18 years) who were responsible for grocery shopping in their household (n 395). RESULTS GHG emissions (-7·6 kg CO2-eq; 95 % CI -12·7, -2·5) and land use (-3·9 m2/year; 95 % CI -7·7, -0·2) were lower for the food purchases of participants in the nutrient profiling tax condition than for those in the control condition. Blue water use was not affected by the nutrient profiling tax. Moreover, the SSB tax had no significant effect on any of the environmental impact indicators. CONCLUSIONS A nutrient profiling tax based on Nutri-Score reduced the environmental impact of consumer food purchases. An SSB tax did not affect the environmental impact in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Eykelenboom
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Derek Mersch
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alessandra C Grasso
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reina E Vellinga
- Centre for Prevention, Lifestyle and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Hm Temme
- Centre for Prevention, Lifestyle and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Hm Steenhuis
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margreet R Olthof
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Wennman H, Partonen T. Impacts of temperature and solar radiation changes in northern Europe on key population health behaviors: a scoping review of reviews. Scand J Public Health 2023:14034948231216909. [PMID: 38142291 DOI: 10.1177/14034948231216909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
AIM Climate change threatens health directly as well as indirectly through impacts on health-related behaviors. Physical activity, nutrition and sleep are key health-related behaviors for population health. We aimed at elucidating the impacts of climate change which emerge gradually on these three key health-related behaviors, particularly focusing on scenarios and projections relevant to people living in the northern Europe. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search in three different databases in January 2023 to identify English language review articles summarizing the effects of climate change on either physical activity, nutrition, sleep, or their combination. RESULTS We identified 15 review articles on the topic. Data on climate change impacts on nutrition and sleep were sparse, and those on physical activity were heterogeneous. The climate in northern Europe will become warmer and sunnier in summer as well as warmer and darker in winter, which will probably increase the level of physical activity, but decrease the consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as increase the occurrence of sleep disturbances in a population. CONCLUSIONS The anticipated changes in physical activity, nutrition and sleep driven by climate change influence population health and call for grass-roots action plans for adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heini Wennman
- Equality Unit, Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland
| | - Timo Partonen
- Equality Unit, Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland
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Papies EK, Davis T, Farrar S, Sinclair M, Wehbe LH. How (not) to talk about plant-based foods: using language to support the transition to sustainable diets. Proc Nutr Soc 2023:1-9. [PMID: 38018402 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665123004858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Reducing meat consumption is essential to curb further climate change and limit the catastrophic environmental degradation resulting from the current global food system. However, consumers in industrialised countries are hesitant to reduce their meat intake, often because they find plant-based foods less appealing. Despite the climate emergency, eating meat is still perceived as the norm, and recommended in most national dietary guidelines. To support the transition to more sustainable diets by providing insights for increasing the appeal of plant-based foods to mainstream consumers, this review presents recent research findings on how people think and communicate about meat-based and plant-based foods. The key findings we review include: (1) while vegans think about plant-based foods in terms of enjoyable eating experiences, omnivores think about plant-based foods in terms of health, vegan identity and other abstract information that does not motivate consumption in the moment. (2) Packages of ready-meals and social media posts on Instagram present plant-based foods with fewer references to enjoyable eating experiences than meat-based foods. (3) Presenting plant-based foods with language that references enjoyable eating experiences increases their appeal, especially for habitual meat eaters. This language includes words about sensory features of the food (e.g., crunchy, creamy), eating context (e.g. pub; with family) and immediate positive consequences of eating (e.g. comforting, delicious). In contrast, the term 'vegan' is strongly associated with negative stereotypes. Hence, rather than referring to being vegan, meat-free or healthy, the language used for plant-based foods should refer to sensory appeal, attractive eating situations and enjoyment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther K Papies
- Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tess Davis
- Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Stephanie Farrar
- Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Maddie Sinclair
- Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lara H Wehbe
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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11
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Lubin RE, Edmondson D, Otto MW. Climate change views examined through a behavioral medicine frame: are there potential target mechanisms for change beyond political ideology? PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:1938-1949. [PMID: 36912581 PMCID: PMC10497712 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2023.2185644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
The threat of climate change is associated with both profound health consequences and failures by many individuals to take preventive actions. Behavioral science research on health behavior engagement may serve as a lens through which to better understand attitudes associated with the threat of climate change. This study was designed to examine individual differences in attitudinal responses to climate change, understanding the degree to which these responses can be predicted by both political beliefs and more readily modified psychological factors commonly associated with health behavior engagement: locus of control, anxiety sensitivity, delay discounting, and intolerance of uncertainty. Participants (N = 234) were US adults (62% male; 57% Non-Hispanic White; 44% Democrat) who completed an online survey. Stepwise multiple linear regressions examined which variables provided non-redundant prediction in models of climate change beliefs and concerns. In addition to providing support for the role of political affiliation and related ideology in climate change views (9-23% variance), this study underscores the importance of a behavioral health frame in understanding climate change concerns and beliefs. Known risk factors for negative health behaviors - prominently, locus of control, anxiety sensitivity, and delay discounting - contributed strongly to the understanding of these views, accounting for 4-28% of variance. Our findings encourage greater attention to health behavior-related constructs for understanding attitudes relevant to climate change action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E. Lubin
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Donald Edmondson
- Center for Behavioral Cardiovascular Health, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Michael W. Otto
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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12
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Baillot A, Bernard P, Eddine JN, Thomas JG, Schumacher LM, Papasavas PK, Vithiananthan S, Jones D, Bond DS. Associations of weather and air pollution with objective physical activity and sedentary time before and after bariatric surgery: a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.03.22.23287589. [PMID: 36993516 PMCID: PMC10055583 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.22.23287589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Background-- Most metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) patients perform too little moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and too much sedentary time (ST). Identifying factors that influence MVPA and ST in MBS patients is necessary to inform the development of interventions to target these behaviors. Research has focused on individual-level factors and neglected those related to the physical environment (e.g., weather and pollution). These factors may be especially important considering rapid climate change and emerging data that suggest adverse effects of weather and pollution on physical activity are more severe in people with obesity. Objectives-- To examine the associations of weather (maximal, average and Wet Bulb Globe Temperatures), and air pollution indices (air quality index [AQI]) with daily physical activity (PA) of both light (LPA) and MVPA and ST before and after MBS. Methods-- Participants (n=77) wore an accelerometer at pre- and 3, 6, and 12-months post-MBS to assess LPA/MVPA/ST (min/d). These data were combined with participants' local (Boston, MA or Providence, RI, USA) daily weather and AQI data (extracted from federal weather and environmental websites). Results-- Multilevel generalized additive models showed inverted U-shaped associations between weather indices and MVPA (R2≥.63, p<.001), with a marked reduction in MVPA for daily maximal temperatures ≥20°C. Sensitivity analysis showed a less marked decrease of MVPA (min/d) during higher temperatures after versus before MBS. Both MVPA before and after MBS (R2=0.64, p<.001) and ST before MBS (R2=0.395; p≤.05) were negatively impacted by higher AQI levels. Discussion-- This study is the first to show that weather and air pollution indices are related to variability in activity behaviors, particularly MVPA, during pre- and post-MBS. Weather/environmental conditions should be considered in MVPA prescription/strategies for MBS patients, especially in the context of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Baillot
- Nursing Department, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, Québec, Canada
- Institut du savoir de l’hôpital Montfort-recherche, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Médecine Psychosociale, Centre Intégré de Santé et Services Sociaux de l’Outaouais, Gatineau, Québec, Canada
| | - Paquito Bernard
- Department of Physical Activity Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jmii Nejm Eddine
- Department of Natural Sciences, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, Québec, Canada
| | - J. Graham Thomas
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center, The Miriam Hospital/Brown Alpert Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Leah M. Schumacher
- Department of Kinesiology/Center for Obesity Research and Education, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Pavlos K. Papasavas
- Department of Surgery, Hartford Hospital/Hartford Healthcare, Hartford CT, USA
| | | | - Daniel Jones
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Dale S. Bond
- Department of Surgery, Hartford Hospital/Hartford Healthcare, Hartford CT, USA
- Department of Research, Hartford Hospital/Hartford Healthcare, Hartford CT, USA
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13
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Fresán U, Bernard P, Fabregues S, Boronat A, Araújo-Soares V, König LM, Chevance G. A Smartphone Intervention to Promote a Sustainable Healthy Diet: Protocol for a Pilot Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e41443. [PMID: 36862497 PMCID: PMC10020902 DOI: 10.2196/41443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changing current dietary patterns into sustainable healthy diets (ie, healthy diets with low environmental impact and socioeconomic fairness) is urgent. So far, few eating behavior change interventions have addressed all the dimensions of sustainable healthy diets at once and used cutting-edge methods from the field of digital health behavior change. OBJECTIVE The primary objectives of this pilot study were to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an individual behavior change intervention toward the adoption of a more environmentally sustainable healthy diet as a whole and changes in specific relevant food groups, food waste, and obtaining food from fair sources. The secondary objectives included the identification of mechanisms of action that potentially mediate the effect of the intervention on behaviors, identification of potential spillover effects and covariations among different food outcomes, and identification of the role of socioeconomic status in behavior changes. METHODS We will run a series of ABA n-of-1 trials over a year, with the first A phase corresponding to a 2-week baseline evaluation, the B phase to a 22-week intervention, and the second A phase to a 24-week postintervention follow-up. We plan to enroll 21 participants from low, middle, and high socioeconomic statuses, with 7 from each socioeconomic group. The intervention will involve sending text messages and providing brief individualized web-based feedback sessions based on regular app-based assessments of eating behavior. The text messages will contain brief educational messages on human health and the environmental and socioeconomic effects of dietary choices; motivational messages to encourage the adoption of sustainable healthy diets by participants, providing tips to achieve their own behavioral goals; or links to recipes. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be collected. Quantitative data (eg, on eating behaviors and motivation) will be collected through self-reported questionnaires on several weekly bursts spread through the study. Qualitative data will be collected through 3 individual semistructured interviews before the intervention period, at the end of the intervention period, and at the end of the study. Analyses will be performed at both the individual and group levels depending on the outcome and objective. RESULTS The first participants were recruited in October 2022. The final results are expected by October 2023. CONCLUSIONS The results of this pilot study will be useful for designing future larger interventions on individual behavior change for sustainable healthy diets. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/41443.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paquito Bernard
- Department of Physical Activity Sciences, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Research Center, University Institute of Mental Health at Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sergi Fabregues
- Department of Psychology and Education, Open University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Boronat
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neurosciences Research Group, Neurosciences Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vera Araújo-Soares
- Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Netherlands
| | - Laura M König
- Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition and Health, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
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14
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Bragazzi NL, Garbarino S, Puce L, Trompetto C, Marinelli L, Currà A, Jahrami H, Trabelsi K, Mellado B, Asgary A, Wu J, Kong JD. Planetary sleep medicine: Studying sleep at the individual, population, and planetary level. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1005100. [PMID: 36330122 PMCID: PMC9624384 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1005100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are a series of endogenous autonomous oscillators that are generated by the molecular circadian clock which coordinates and synchronizes internal time with the external environment in a 24-h daily cycle (that can also be shorter or longer than 24 h). Besides daily rhythms, there exist as well other biological rhythms that have different time scales, including seasonal and annual rhythms. Circadian and other biological rhythms deeply permeate human life, at any level, spanning from the molecular, subcellular, cellular, tissue, and organismal level to environmental exposures, and behavioral lifestyles. Humans are immersed in what has been called the "circadian landscape," with circadian rhythms being highly pervasive and ubiquitous, and affecting every ecosystem on the planet, from plants to insects, fishes, birds, mammals, and other animals. Anthropogenic behaviors have been producing a cascading and compounding series of effects, including detrimental impacts on human health. However, the effects of climate change on sleep have been relatively overlooked. In the present narrative review paper, we wanted to offer a way to re-read/re-think sleep medicine from a planetary health perspective. Climate change, through a complex series of either direct or indirect mechanisms, including (i) pollution- and poor air quality-induced oxygen saturation variability/hypoxia, (ii) changes in light conditions and increases in the nighttime, (iii) fluctuating temperatures, warmer values, and heat due to extreme weather, and (iv) psychological distress imposed by disasters (like floods, wildfires, droughts, hurricanes, and infectious outbreaks by emerging and reemerging pathogens) may contribute to inducing mismatches between internal time and external environment, and disrupting sleep, causing poor sleep quantity and quality and sleep disorders, such as insomnia, and sleep-related breathing issues, among others. Climate change will generate relevant costs and impact more vulnerable populations in underserved areas, thus widening already existing global geographic, age-, sex-, and gender-related inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada,*Correspondence: Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
| | - Sergio Garbarino
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal/Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Puce
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal/Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlo Trompetto
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal/Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lucio Marinelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal/Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Currà
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Academic Neurology Unit, Ospedale A. Fiorini, Terracina, Italy,Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Haitham Jahrami
- Ministry of Health, Manama, Bahrain,College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Khaled Trabelsi
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia,Research Laboratory: Education, Motricity, Sport and Health, EM2S, LR19JS01, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Bruce Mellado
- School of Physics and Institute for Collider Particle Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,Subatomic Physics, iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences, Somerset West, South Africa
| | - Ali Asgary
- Disaster and Emergency Management Area and Advanced Disaster, Emergency and Rapid-Response Simulation (ADERSIM), School of Administrative Studies, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jianhong Wu
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jude Dzevela Kong
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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