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Folk D, Dunn E. A systematic review of the strength of evidence for the most commonly recommended happiness strategies in mainstream media. Nat Hum Behav 2023; 7:1697-1707. [PMID: 37474838 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-023-01651-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review of the evidence underlying some of the most widely recommended strategies for increasing happiness. By coding media articles on happiness, we first identified the five most commonly recommended strategies: expressing gratitude, enhancing sociability, exercising, practising mindfulness/meditation and increasing nature exposure. Next, we conducted a systematic search of the published scientific literature. We identified well-powered, pre-registered experiments testing the effects of these strategies on any aspect of subjective wellbeing (that is, positive affect, negative affect and life satisfaction) in non-clinical samples. A total of 57 studies were included. Our review suggests that a strong scientific foundation is lacking for some of the most commonly recommended happiness strategies. As the effectiveness of these strategies remains an open question, there is an urgent need for well-powered, pre-registered studies investigating strategies for promoting happiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dunigan Folk
- Psychology Department, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Elizabeth Dunn
- Psychology Department, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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2
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Asadi-Aliabadi M, Karimi SM, Mirbaha-Hashemi F, Tehrani-Banihashemi A, Janani L, Babaee E, Nojomi M, Moradi-Lakeh M. Motivating non-physician health workers to reduce the behavioral risk factors of non-communicable diseases in the community: a field trial study. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:37. [PMID: 36894971 PMCID: PMC9998263 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01047-w] [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: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-communicable diseases behavioral risk factors can be improved if effective interventions are designed considering the health system's capabilities and local resources. This study evaluated the effectiveness of interventions that aimed at increasing non-physician community health workers' motivation in reducing non-communicable diseases behavioral risk factors in the community. METHODS A randomized field trial study was conducted in 32 community health centers in 4 Iranian districts after a baseline population survey on the status of NCDs of 30-70-year-old individuals (n = 1225). The interventions were performed to improve insufficient physical activity, insufficient fruit consumption, insufficient vegetable consumption, high salt intake, and tobacco use. Four intervention packages were implemented in 24 community health centers; the other 8 centers were used as control groups. The non-physician community health workers performed the interventions. The packages additively included goal-setting, evidence-based education, operational planning, and incentive payments. A second survey was conducted 1 year after the start of the interventions to identify the effects on an independent random sample of 30-70-year-old individuals (n = 1221). Difference-in-difference method was used to quantify the interventions' effects. RESULTS The average age of participants in both surveys was about 49 years. Also, about half of the participants were female, and about 43% were illiterate or had a primary school education. The interventions had statistically significant effects only on decreasing the prevalence of insufficient physical activity. The package with all the intervention components decreased the odds of insufficient physical activity to 0.24 (95% CI, 0.08, 0.72). The package with operational planning but no performance-based financing did not change the odds of insufficient physical activity. CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted the importance of components, design, and implementation details of interventions intended to reduce NCDs behavioral risk factors. Some risk factors, such as insufficient physical activity, seem more easily modifiable with limited low-cost interventions in a one-year horizon. However, risk factors related to healthy food consumption and tobacco use need more extensive interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was registered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20081205001488N2) on 3 June 2018 ( https://en.irct.ir/trial/774 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Asadi-Aliabadi
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Health Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyed M Karimi
- Department of Health Management & System Sciences, School of Public Health & Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Fariba Mirbaha-Hashemi
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Tehrani-Banihashemi
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Janani
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Clinical Trial Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Babaee
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Nojomi
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maziar Moradi-Lakeh
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Li C, Ning G, Xia Y, Guo K, Liu Q. Does the Internet Bring People Closer Together or Further Apart? The Impact of Internet Usage on Interpersonal Communications. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12110425. [PMID: 36354402 PMCID: PMC9687672 DOI: 10.3390/bs12110425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The complementarity interference (CI) model suggests that the Internet may either inhibit or facilitate interpersonal communications. This paper empirically examines the impact of Internet usage on interpersonal interactions, using a micro dataset from China to answer whether the Internet brings people closer together or further apart. The empirical results demonstrate, first, that Internet usage significantly increases both the time and frequency of people’s communications with their family and friends, rather than causing them to feel more disconnected and isolated. Holding other factors constant, for each one-standard-deviation increase in Internet usage, weekly communications with family members increases by an average of 102.150 min, while there is an average increase of 54.838 min in interactions with friends. These findings as to its positive effects are robust when using other regression models and interpersonal contact measures, as well as the instrumental variable method. Second, Internet usage also contributes to decreased loneliness; it exerts this effect primarily by improving people’s interactions with their family members. However, communications with friends do not significantly mediate such impacts. Third, the positive role of Internet usage on communications is more prominent for people with more frequent online socialization and self-presentation, better online skills, younger age, higher educational level, and who are living in urban areas. In addition, the beneficial effects of Internet usage are larger for communications with family members in the case of migrants. Therefore, in the context of the rapid development of information technology, the network infrastructure should be improved to make better use of the Internet to facilitate interpersonal communications and promote people’s wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Business School, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (G.N.)
| | - Guangjie Ning
- Business School, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (G.N.)
| | - Yuxin Xia
- HSBC Business School, Peking University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Kaiyi Guo
- Business School, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Qianqian Liu
- Business School, Shandong University, Weihai 264209, China
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Sit SMM, Lai AYK, Kwok TO, Wong HW, Wong YL, Chow E, Kwok YK, Wang MP, Ho SY, Lam TH. Development and evaluation of two brief digital health promotion game booths utilizing augmented reality and motion detection to promote well-being at a gerontechnology summit in Hong Kong. Front Public Health 2022; 10:923271. [PMID: 36211703 PMCID: PMC9539530 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.923271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The acceleration of population aging calls for simple and effective interventions catered for older people. Gerontechnology, the combination of gerontology and technology, can promote quality of life in older adults. However, public health-related events incorporating information communication technology (ICT) for older people have seldom been evaluated. Objective We reported the development and evaluation of two simple and brief digital health promotion games hosted at the annual Hong Kong Gerontech and Innovation Expo cum Summit (GIES) in 2018 and 2019 to promote well-being. Methods Two game booths (Dinosaur Augmented Reality photo-taking in 2018, Sit-and-Stand fitness challenge in 2019) were designed by our interdisciplinary team. Four gaming technologies were employed: augmented reality, chroma key (green screen), motion detection and 3D modeling. Immediately after the game, we administered a brief questionnaire survey to assess participant satisfaction, happiness and perceived benefits, and collected qualitative data through observations and informal interviews. Results Majority of 1,186 and 729 game booth participants in 2018 and 2019, respectively, were female (73.4% and 64.7%) and older adults (65.5 and 65.2%). Overall satisfaction toward the game booths was high (4.64 ± 0.60 and 4.54 ± 0.68 out of 5), with females and older adults reporting higher scores. Average personal and family happiness of participants in 2018 were 8.2 and 8.0 (out of 10). 90.3 and 18.4% of participants in 2019 chose one or more personal (e.g. enhance healthy living habits 62.4%, enhance personal happiness 61.6%) and family (e.g. enhance family happiness 15.6%, improve family relationships 10.8%) benefits of the game booth, respectively. Participants showed enthusiasm toward the technologies, and pride in their physical abilities in the fitness challenge. Conclusion Our report on the development and evaluation of brief game interventions with ICT showed high satisfaction and immediate perceived benefits in community participants. Females and older adults reported higher satisfaction. Simple tools measuring happiness and perceived benefits showed positive results. Older adults were receptive and enthusiastic about the new technologies. Our findings can inform researchers and organizers of similar events. More research on simple and enjoyable ICT interventions is needed to attract older adults and promote their well-being. Trial registration The research protocol was registered at the National Institutes of Health (Identifier number: NCT03960372) on May 23, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Man-Man Sit
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Agnes Yuen-Kwan Lai
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tai-On Kwok
- Technology-Enriched Learning Initiative, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hoi-Wa Wong
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yiu-Lun Wong
- Technology-Enriched Learning Initiative, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Edward Chow
- Technology-Enriched Learning Initiative, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yu-Kwong Kwok
- Technology-Enriched Learning Initiative, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man-Ping Wang
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sai-Yin Ho
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tai-Hing Lam
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Chan NPT, Lai AYK, Choy HK, Cheung DYT, Wan ANT, Cheng VYH, Chan KY, Lau YK, Yung CY, Cheung GOC, Lam TH. Feasibility and Potential Effectiveness of a Smartphone Zero-Time Exercise Intervention for Promoting Physical Activity and Fitness in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Public Health 2022; 10:865712. [PMID: 35910893 PMCID: PMC9330491 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.865712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Zero-time Exercise (ZTEx), a simple strength- and stamina-enhancing physical activity (PA) requiring no extra equipment, can potentially increase PA and fitness. This pilot trial examined the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a smartphone ZTEx intervention to promote PA and fitness in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods A parallel-group assessor-blinded pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted on Chinese patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) in three cardiology clinics. The experimental group received a 15-min brief individual face-to-face session and a 12-week ZTEx instant messaging with 28 picture e-messages and a smartphone ZTEx application (ZTExApp). The control group received the same duration of individual session and number and format of e-messages, but the content was healthy eating and breathing exercise. The feasibility was assessed based on: attrition rate, usage, response rate and perception of the intervention. The outcome evaluation included primary outcome (PA), fitness, exercise self-efficacy and intention, perceived happiness and health, and quality of life. A linear mixed model was used with intention-to-treat analysis adjusting for sex, age and baseline values. A semi-structured interview was conducted to collect feedback from the experiment group. Results One hundred thirty-nine patients (mean age 59.8 ± 6.6; 71.2% male) were randomized to the experimental group (n = 70) or control group (n = 69), and 80% (56/70) and 82% (57/69) of patients completed the 12-week follow-up assessment, respectively. The attrition rate was 18.7%. The experimental group reported that ZTEx was feasible to integrate PA into their daily life and appreciated the picture e-messages, and 95% of them sent feedback to us, but only 19.6% (13/70) of the participants entered their PA information into the e-diary of the ZTExApp. The experimental group had a significantly greater increase in time spent walking [mean difference (95% CI): 155.3 (10.1, 300.4), P = 0.04, Cohen's d = 0.34] than the control group. Conclusions This pilot study showed using a brief ZTEx face-to-face session with picture e-messages empowered patients with CHD to integrate PA into daily life. Future definitive trials with a longer follow-up and a more user-friendly ZTExApp interface are necessary to determine the effectiveness of the smartphone ZTEx intervention in enhancing PA and related outcomes. Trial Registration The research protocol was registered at the Hong Kong University Clinical Trials Registry (HKUCTR) on 22 Jul 2016 (Study identifier: HKUCTR-2165) and was also retrospectively registered at the National Institutes of Health (identifier number: NCT03464331) on 14 March 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noel P. T. Chan
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Agnes Y. K. Lai
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Agnes Y. K. Lai
| | - Hau K. Choy
- Faculty of Medicine, Poznon University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Derek Y. T. Cheung
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alice N. T. Wan
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Aberdeen Kai Fong Welfare Association Services Centre, Aberdeen, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Victor Y. H. Cheng
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Pok Oi Hospital, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ka Y. Chan
- Intensive Care Unit, Hong Kong Sanatorium Hospital, Happy Valley, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuk K. Lau
- Private Practice, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi Y. Yung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals, Wan Chai, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - George O. C. Cheung
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - T. H. Lam
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Edney S, Chua XH, Müller AM, Kui KY, Müller-Riemenschneider F. mHealth interventions targeting movement behaviors in Asia: A scoping review. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13396. [PMID: 34927346 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13396] [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: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
mHealth interventions can promote healthy movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep). However, recent reviews include few studies from Asia, despite it being home to over 60% of the world population. The aim is to map the current evidence for mHealth interventions targeting movement behaviors in Asia. Six databases were searched up until August 2021. Included studies described an mHealth intervention targeting one or more movement behaviors, delivered in a country/territory in Asia, to a general population. A total of 3986 unique records were screened for eligibility in duplicate. Eighty studies with 1,413,652 participants were included. Most were randomized (38.8%) or quasi-experimental (27.5%) trials. Studies were from 17 countries/territories (out of 55); majority were high- (65.0%) or upper middle-income (28.7%). Physical activity was targeted most often (93.8%), few targeted sedentary behavior (7.5%), or sleep (8.8%). Most targeted one movement behavior (90.0%), and none targeted all three together. Interventions typically incorporated a single mHealth component (70.0%; app, pedometer, text messages, wearable) and were delivered remotely (66.3%). The average intervention length was 121.8 (SD 127.6) days. mHealth interventions in Asia have primarily targeted physical activity in high- and upper middle-income countries. There are few interventions targeting sedentary behavior or sleep, and no interventions in low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Edney
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xin Hui Chua
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andre Matthias Müller
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kiran Yan Kui
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Falk Müller-Riemenschneider
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Digital Health Center, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Amini-Rarani M, Heshmat R, Djalalinia S, Motlagh ME, Ziaodini H, Atoofi MK, Shafiee G, Qorbani M, Asayesh H, Taheri M, Raeisi A, Kelishadi R. Socioeconomic difference in physical activity in children and their parents: The childhood and adolescence surveillance and prevention of adult noncommunicable disease study. WHO South East Asia J Public Health 2022; 11:10-16. [PMID: 36308268 DOI: 10.4103/who-seajph.who-seajph_66_21] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a health-related behavior, physical activity (PA) differs according to individual's socioeconomic status (SES). This study aimed to assess the socioeconomic difference in leisure-time PA among Iranian students and their parents at national and regional levels. STUDY DESIGN Nationwide cross-sectional study. METHODS This study was conducted as part of a national survey conducted in 2015 among 14400 Iranian students and their parents. Total PA level was measured as the average hours spent on PA per week. Nonlinear principal component analysis was used to construct the households' SES based on household's assets, type of house ownership, occupation of fathers and the educational levels of fathers and mothers. Concentration index was applied to measure the inequality in the PA level in parents and students. RESULTS Complete data of 13313 students and their parents were available. At the national level, students spent more hours of PA per week (3.753 h per week [h/w]) as compared to their parents. Moreover, PA h/w was higher in fathers (3.488 h/w) as compared to mothers (2.763 h/w). The lowest means of mother's and student's PA were found in the highest SES region. At national level, the concentration indices (CI) of father's and mother's PA were -0.050 (95% CI = -0.067 ~ -0.030) and -0.028 (95% CI = -0.044 ~ -0.012), respectively, indicating pro-poor inequality, but the CI value of student PA was non-significant (CI = -0.007, 95% CI = -0.023-0.008). CONCLUSIONS Given that the mother's and student's PA level was low in the high SES regions, it is suggested that focused PA planning may further increase the level of PA across higher SES regions and might be effective in reducing the PA inequality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Amini-Rarani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ramin Heshmat
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shirin Djalalinia
- Development of Research & Technology Center, Deputy of Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hasan Ziaodini
- Health Psychology Research Center, Education Ministry, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Kazemzadeh Atoofi
- Spiritual Health Research Center, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Tehran Psychiatric Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gita Shafiee
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Qorbani
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj; Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Asayesh
- Department of Medical Emergencies, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Majzoubeh Taheri
- Development of Research & Technology Center, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Raeisi
- School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Roya Kelishadi
- Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Lai AYK, Sit SMM, Thomas C, Cheung GOC, Wan A, Chan SSC, Lam TH. A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Positive Family Holistic Health Intervention for Probationers in Hong Kong: A Mixed-Method Study. Front Psychol 2021; 12:739418. [PMID: 34950083 PMCID: PMC8689060 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.739418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Probationers, offenders with less serious and non-violent offences, and under statutory supervision, have low levels of self-esteem and physical health, and high level of family conflict, and poorer quality of family relationships. This study examined the effectiveness of the existing probation service and the additional use of a positive family holistic health intervention to enhance physical, psychological, and family well-being in probationers and relationships with probation officers. Methods: Probationers under the care of the Hong Kong Social Welfare Department were randomized into a care-as-usual control group (CAU), a brief intervention group (BI) receiving two 1-h individual sessions [of a brief theory-based positive family holistic health intervention integrating Zero-time Exercise (simple and easy-to-do lifestyle-integrated physical activity) and positive psychology themes of "Praise and Gratitude" in the existing probation service], or a combined intervention group (CI) receiving BI and a 1-day group activity with family members. The outcomes were physical activity, fitness performance, self-esteem, happiness, anxiety and depression symptoms, life satisfaction, quality of life, family communication and well-being, and relationships with probation officers. Self-administered questionnaires and simple fitness tests were used at baseline, 1-month and 3-month follow-up. Linear mixed model analysis was used to compare difference in the changes of outcome variables among groups, adjusted of sex, age, and baseline values. Focus group interviews were conducted. Thematic content analysis was used. Results: 318 probationers (51% male) were randomized into CAU (n = 105), BI (n = 108), or CI (n = 105) group. CAU showed enhanced physical activity, fitness performance and psychological health, and family communication with small effect sizes (Cohen's d: 0.19-0.41). BI and CI showed further improved physical activity, family communication and family well-being (Cohen's d: 0.37-0.70). Additionally, CI reported greater improvements in the relationships with probation officers than CAU with a small effect size (Cohen's d: 0.43). CI also reported greater increases in physical activity and family communication than BI with small to moderate effect sizes (Cohen's d: 0.38-0.58). Qualitative feedbacks corroborated the quantitative findings. Conclusion: Our trial provided the first evidence of the effectiveness of probation service and the additional use of an innovative, relatively low-cost, theory-based brief positive family holistic health intervention. This intervention may offer a new model for enhancing probation service. Trial Registration: The research protocol was registered at the National Institutes of Health (identifier: NCT02770898).
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Y.-K. Lai
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shirley M.-M. Sit
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Carol Thomas
- Hong Kong Social Welfare Department, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - George O.-C. Cheung
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alice Wan
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sophia S.-C. Chan
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tai-hing Lam
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Sit SMM, Lam TH, Lai AYK, Wong BYM, Wang MP, Ho SY. Fear of COVID-19 and its associations with perceived personal and family benefits and harms in Hong Kong. Transl Behav Med 2021; 11:793-801. [PMID: 33755146 PMCID: PMC8033593 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibab018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fear of COVID-19 is associated with public health compliance but also with negative well-being; however, no articles have reported associations of such fear with perceived benefits and harms. We assessed the level of fear of COVID-19 in Hong Kong adults and its associations with sociodemographic factors and perceived benefits and harms of COVID-19. In a 6-day population-based cross-sectional online survey in May 2020, 4,890 adults provided data on fear and perceived benefits and harms, personal happiness and family well-being, and sociodemographic characteristics. Linear regression was used to analyze associations. The level of fear was moderate (mean score 6.3/10). Fewer respondents reported perceived benefits (10.6%–21.7%) than harms (13.4%–43.5%). Females, younger age groups, and respondents with lower education or more cohabitants had greater fear. Fear was associated with perceived personal (increased knowledge of personal epidemic prevention) and family benefits (improved family hygiene), both with a very small effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.03). Fear was also associated with lower personal happiness and perceived personal (increased negative emotions, feeling depressed and anxious, decreased income, and decreased work efficiency) and family harms (increased conflicts and negative emotions among family members), with small effect sizes (0.08–0.37). We have first shown sociodemographic differences in the fear of COVID-19 and such fear was associated with both perceived personal and family benefits and harms of COVID-19. Our findings may guide the management of fear to reduce sociodemographic differences, and maximize benefits and minimize harms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tai-Hing Lam
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Bonny Yee-Man Wong
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man-Ping Wang
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sai-Yin Ho
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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