Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected health and well-being worldwide, but little is known about how the pandemic specifically impacted families with young children. Evidence suggests a relationship between well-being and health behaviors (diet, physical activity) and that preexisting health disparities were exacerbated during the pandemic.…

Background: Sedentary behavior is a public health issue associated with obesity and other chronic health problems. The need for interventions is especially pressing for girls, who have lower levels of physical activity (PA) than boys do, and who are more likely to be overweight and to experience negative emotional states as they approach…

Background: The practice of preventive health behaviors, such as regular handwashing, use of hand sanitizers, wearing facemasks in public, and maintaining safe physical distance can help contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Purpose: This study aimed to understand factors that influence university students' COVID-19 preventive behaviors by…

Background: The "Healthy Men, Health Communities" program aims to improve preventive behaviors among African American men to reduce HPV-related cancer disparities. Purpose: We describe the development of an educational intervention using cultural-targeting strategies (i.e., linguistics, peripherals, evidence, socio-culture, and…

Background: Young adults are adopting wearables ahead of research. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the use of trackers through Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Methods: SCT-guided individual interviews were conducted with young adults (n = 57). Typical case sampling was used to recruit college students (n = 35) and straight-to-work…

Background: Sedentarism is uniquely associated with numerous health problems (e.g., obesity). School-age youth spend a considerable portion of their time being sedentary, although relatively little attention has been given to examining youth sedentary time or behaviors during school.Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined…

Background: Dietary modification is critical for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), yet few women with PCOS report receiving nutrition education. Nutrition knowledge may translate to dietary behaviors and diet quality, but nutrition knowledge among women with PCOS is unknown. Purpose: Using a descriptive design, we assessed…

Background: Overweight adolescents engage in risk behaviors at different rates than healthy-weight peers. Most extant research has focused on white or regional samples. Purpose: This article examined associations between weight and risk behaviors and determined whether associations differ by race/ethnicity. Methods: Youth Risk Behavior Survey data…

Background: Shorter validated health assessment tools are needed. The validated 25-item Salutogenic Wellness Promotion Scale (SWPS) measures health status through assessment of engagement in multidimensional health behaviors. Purpose: To do an initial assessment of the Short Form Salutogenic Wellness Promotion Scale (SWPS-SF). Methods: A…

Background: Federal nutrition education initiatives ("MyPlate") intend to facilitate healthful eating behaviors in families; however, little is known about how minoritized students and caregivers perceive adherence to MyPlate guidelines or perceptions of importance of eating in alignment with guidelines. Purpose: Study aims included: 1)…

Background: Due to the high prevalence of obesity, individuals may be desensitized to weight as a personal health concern. Purpose: To evaluate changes in obesity awareness associated with a statewide public education campaign in Colorado. Methods: Cross-sectional random digit dial telephone surveys (n = 1,107 pre, n = 1101 post) were conducted…

Background: Understanding how and where children accumulate their physical activity (PA) and sedentary minutes throughout the day has important implications for behavioral interventions. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the duration and intensity of habitual PA and sedentary time (SED) at and away from school among preadolescent…

Background: Childhood obesity increases health risk, and modest physical activity can impact that risk. Schools have an opportunity to help children become more active. Purpose: This study implemented a program offering extra school-day activity opportunities in a rural school district where 37% of students were obese or overweight in 2005 and…

Background: Health self-efficacy acts as a vital mediator in the causal pathway from awareness of self-management to self-care behaviors. However, little is known about the underlying predictors of this concept. Purpose: Guided by existing theories and models, this study tested the effects of patient-centered communication, emotional well-being,…

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of theory-based osteoporosis prevention programs on calcium and vitamin D intakes and osteoporosis health beliefs in young women. Methods: Women (N = 152) aged 19 to 25 years were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: a brochure group (n = 51), a computer-tailored program group…