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Health-Related Sustainable Development through Lifestyle and Self-Care
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Health-Related Sustainable Development through Lifestyle and Self-Care

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Health, Well-Being and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 9406

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Daniela Cojocaru

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Sociology and Social Work, Faculty of Philosophy and Social-Political Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506 Iasi, Romania
Interests: qualitative methods; sociology of health, self-management and chronic condition; physician-patient relationship; ethics and nursing; self-management and ageing; family and intergenerational relations
Dr. Liviu Oprea

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Bioethics and Medical Deontology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Grigore T. Popa", 700115 Iasi, Romania
Interests: ethical issues at the interface from medical practice and public health; ethics of chronic care including self-management technologies; doctor-patient relationships

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic diseases are pervasive globally and their prevalence is increasing worldwide. Chronic diseases now represent a major health burden in both advanced societies and developing ones. Individuals with chronic condition have a poorer quality of life and decreased life expectancy.  There is also an impact on their economic security through the direct costs of their medical care and indirectly due to reduced workdays and employment opportunities. Societies are affected directly through increasing health care costs and indirectly through a negative impact on economic development due to decreased productivity.

Healthy lifestyle patterns and self-care of chronically ill patients are on the public agenda due to an increasing body of literature that shows that they add benefits to usual chronic care, as well as on improving primary prevention of chronic disorders. Behavioral interventions that address lifestyle changes and/or self-care could promote health related sustainability improving patients’ cognitive, affective, medical expertise, and, through all of these, improve their health outcomes and decrease health care costs.

For this Special Issue, we expect the submission of research articles, case studies, reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that address the health-related sustainability dimension of lifestyle and self-care health interventions, such as: nutrition, diet, or physical activity interventions; self-care programs for chronically ill patients, as well as their impact and ethical, psychological, and social challenges on patients’ adherence to medical treatments, patients’ health, costs of health care, physician-patient relationship, etc.

Prof. Dr. Daniela Cojocaru
Dr. Liviu Oprea
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. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2400 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

  • sustainability
  • health
  • self-care
  • chronic disease
  • lifestyle
  • physical activity
  • social challenges
  • medical care

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 417 KiB  
Article
Self-Management Predicts Lower Post-Traumatic Symptoms and Greater Post-Traumatic Growth among Older Adults in Residential Care Homes in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Ido Ziv, Dafna Caspi and Daniela Cojocaru
Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10280; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310280 - 29 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1000
Abstract
The restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic left many older adults isolated and confined. Under active aging theory, self-management is crucial for well-being among older adults coping with aging. The current between–within subject quasi-experimental study examines how (a) initial self-management and (b) changes [...] Read more.
The restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic left many older adults isolated and confined. Under active aging theory, self-management is crucial for well-being among older adults coping with aging. The current between–within subject quasi-experimental study examines how (a) initial self-management and (b) changes in self-management due to independent physical training affect psychological outcomes in a sample of care home residents following the outbreak of the pandemic. A total of 64 older adults (53 females, 11 males), with mean age of 82.23, reported on their self-management abilities and then embarked on six months of training in chair exercises (one session per week). The training exercises were halted after 22 sessions due to the pandemic, but some residents continued to practice independently. Eight weeks after the outbreak of the pandemic, residents who had continued to practice at least once per week (n = 35) and those who had not continued to practice (n = 29) were questioned again about their self-management and about five psychological outcomes: anxiety, traumatic stress, satisfaction, general mood, and post-traumatic growth (PTG). Self-management improved among older adults who independently practiced the exercises, and it declined among those who did not. Pre-pandemic self-management significantly predicted post-outbreak traumatic stress symptoms, anxiety, general mood, and satisfaction with life, but not PTG. However, the difference in self-management between the pre-pandemic and post-outbreak measures was associated with PTG, and made a unique contribution to prediction of the other effects. Self-management abilities among older adults can be seen as a protective factor against adverse psychological outcomes in times of trauma. Further, the improvement in self-management among older adults who independently practiced physical exercises made a unique contribution beyond initial self-management abilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Sustainable Development through Lifestyle and Self-Care)
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14 pages, 633 KiB  
Article
Sleep Deficit as a Risk Factor for Hypertension in Korean Adults
by Mi-Joon Lee, Bum-Jeun Seo and Inmyung Song
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2586; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032586 - 1 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1496
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the association between sleep duration and hypertension in Korean adults aged 30 and older. This is a population-based cross-sectional study using the 2020 Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey data. Study subjects numbered 3984 after excluding people [...] Read more.
This study aims to evaluate the association between sleep duration and hypertension in Korean adults aged 30 and older. This is a population-based cross-sectional study using the 2020 Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey data. Study subjects numbered 3984 after excluding people with missing data for key exposures and outcome variables. Of the study subjects, 18.8% (n = 748) sleep for less than 6 h a day. Increased risk for hypertension was associated with being male, of old age, unemployed, of low educational achievement, and overweight, as well as drinking, smoking, stress, and short sleep duration. The prevalence of sleep deficit was associated with sex, age, education level, income, and health insurance type. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify whether sleep duration affects the risk of hypertension. In the unadjusted model, the odds ratio (OR) of having hypertension was lower among people sleeping for 7.0–7.9 h (OR = 0.52, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.42–0.64) than those sleeping for fewer than 6 h per day. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors (sex, age, education level, occupation, and health insurance), the OR for 7.0–7.9 h remained significant (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.59–0.92). This association was not significant when the model was further adjusted for health-related factors (smoking, drinking, physical activity, BMI level, and stress). Measures to promote adequate sleep duration should be included in programs to prevent and manage hypertension. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Sustainable Development through Lifestyle and Self-Care)
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Review

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13 pages, 1393 KiB  
Review
Unveiling the Presence of Social Prescribing in Romania in the Context of Sustainable Healthcare—A Scoping Review
by Roxana Surugiu, Mihaela Adela Iancu, Anca Maria Lăcătus, Carmen Adriana Dogaru, Mioara Desdemona Stepan, Irina Anca Eremia, Andrea Elena Neculau and Gheorghe Gindrovel Dumitra
Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11652; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511652 - 28 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1019
Abstract
Background: Social prescribing initiatives are tailored coaching programs created to assist participants in improving their personal circumstances and might constitute a creative way to enhance public and preventive health as we work toward providing universal financially sustainable healthcare. Methods: We conducted [...] Read more.
Background: Social prescribing initiatives are tailored coaching programs created to assist participants in improving their personal circumstances and might constitute a creative way to enhance public and preventive health as we work toward providing universal financially sustainable healthcare. Methods: We conducted a scoping review with the aim of summarizing the main global trends on social prescribing and to identify the existing resources and potential targets of social prescribing in Romania. Results: One of the main concerns that arose from this review is the lack of defined pathways to access social programs and the lack of link workers, recognized as a valuable form of support in directing people toward the most appropriate intervention, necessary to increase long-term sustainability. We also acknowledge the importance of primary care in social prescribing, especially in prevention. The level of awareness and the capacity of primary care providers to identify the need for social prescription to increase the awareness of resources and encourage teamwork should be increased. Conclusions: By focusing on these areas, we can enhance the health and well-being of the population and fully realize the benefits of social prescribing in Romania. Further research and collaboration on social prescribing are crucial for optimizing its impact in Romania. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Sustainable Development through Lifestyle and Self-Care)
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Other

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15 pages, 465 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effectiveness of Respiratory Exercises on Perceived Symptoms of Fatigue among Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Systematic Review
by Lucía Torres-Álamo, Remedios López-Liria, María Ángeles Valverde-Martínez, María Jesús Benzo-Iglesias and Jacobo Á. Rubio-Arias
Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 12887; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712887 - 25 Aug 2023
Viewed by 998
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which fatigue is one of the most frequent and disabling symptoms, and it is believed to be associated with respiratory involvement. Individuals who are physically inactive for long lengths of time display greater symptomatic fatigue. [...] Read more.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which fatigue is one of the most frequent and disabling symptoms, and it is believed to be associated with respiratory involvement. Individuals who are physically inactive for long lengths of time display greater symptomatic fatigue. The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the effectiveness of breathing exercises within rehabilitation programs in improving fatigue in patients with MS. A systematic search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and PEDro, was conducted up until November 2022. Nine articles, with a total of 290 participants, were selected. The studies combined breathing exercises with other treatment techniques, such as Ai-Chi, Pilates, and upper and lower limb exercises. Four studies used the Modified Fatigue Severity scale, observing a reduction in the perception of fatigue, in favor of the experimental group. Incorporating respiratory exercises into physical exercise programs, such as Ai-Chi and Pilates, may help to reduce the perception of fatigue. However, the heterogeneity in the protocols and outcome measures makes the generalization of the results difficult. Nonetheless, further studies that include specific respiratory variables are needed to analyze whether this perceived improvement is associated with enhanced pulmonary capacity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Sustainable Development through Lifestyle and Self-Care)
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15 pages, 924 KiB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Non-Face-to-Face Coaching
by Yucheon Kim and Songyi Lee
Sustainability 2023, 15(12), 9727; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129727 - 18 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1431
Abstract
This study examined the effectiveness of non-face-to-face coaching in South Korea in order to present alternatives in the post-COVID-19 environment. The research collected domestic studies on non-face-to-face coaching in South Korea and analysed the studies through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Among [...] Read more.
This study examined the effectiveness of non-face-to-face coaching in South Korea in order to present alternatives in the post-COVID-19 environment. The research collected domestic studies on non-face-to-face coaching in South Korea and analysed the studies through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Among 1081 papers retrieved from the database, we selected ten papers for meta-analysis. Using the random effect model to measure effect size, the total effect size of non-face-to-face coaching was 0.77. When we divided the effect of non-face-to-face coaching into psychological, cognitive, and physical effects, the cognitive effects were the largest. In addition, examining non-face-to-face coaching by type resulted in a larger effect size of web-based online coaching in comparison to telephone coaching. By contrast, the effect sizes of non-face-to-face coaching by subject had the largest effect size on subjects with the highest level of vulnerability. This study found that non-face-to-face coaching had a large effect, with relatively large cognitive and psychological effects. Future investigations should supplement the present research through follow-up studies on non-face-to-face coaching. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Sustainable Development through Lifestyle and Self-Care)
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17 pages, 989 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effects of Evidence-Based Intervention on Teachers’ Mental Health Literacy: Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis
by Yuanyuan Liao, Moses Agyemang Ameyaw, Chen Liang, Weijian Li, Yilong Ji and Zhenni An
Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8981; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118981 - 2 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2115
Abstract
The development of mental health among students has become a crucial objective and focus in numerous countries, with teachers serving as the primary guardians of their mental well-being. As such, enhancing teachers’ mental health literacy has emerged as a key strategy and priority [...] Read more.
The development of mental health among students has become a crucial objective and focus in numerous countries, with teachers serving as the primary guardians of their mental well-being. As such, enhancing teachers’ mental health literacy has emerged as a key strategy and priority in this endeavor. The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the experimental effects associated with improving teachers’ mental health literacy. The study seeks to provide substantiated evidence and innovative strategies for enhancing teachers’ mental health literacy. A systematic search was conducted using five English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Springer Link, ProQuest) and three Chinese databases (WanFang, CNKI, and VIP) to identify controlled trials evaluating the immediate effect and tracking effect of the intervention experiment on enhancing teachers’ mental health knowledge, anti-stigma, willingness, or behavior to seek help. Relevant peer-reviewed articles (n = 20) were selected for further analysis through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-P), with a total of 7446 subjects. The findings revealed that the immediate effect of the intervention on teachers’ mental health literacy, knowledge, stigma, and assistance-seeking had significant moderate to substantial effects. The tracking effect value for knowledge was only moderately significant, and the others were not significant. The analysis of subgroup moderating variables revealed that differences in national economic development level and cultural type did not have a significant impact on the intervention of teachers’ mental health literacy. The results of this review revealed that intervention experiments can effectively improve teachers’ mental health literacy. Hence, it is prudent to pay more attention to the intervention of teachers’ mental health literacy and strengthen the scientific design of experiments to improve the effectiveness of the intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Sustainable Development through Lifestyle and Self-Care)
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