We aimed to explore, in a sample of systematic reviews (SRs) with meta-analyses of the association between food/diet and health-related outcomes, whether systematic reviewers selectively included study effect estimates in meta-analyses when multiple effect estimates were available. We randomly selected SRs of food/diet and health-related outcomes…

This study aimed to look into the effectiveness of a 6-month health coaching intervention on kidney function in treating patients with type 2 diabetes and early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). It was conducted via a two-armed, randomized-controlled trial involving 92 diabetic patients who were regularly followed under the shared care system at…

Smoking poses a significant threat to adolescent health because of its immediate and long-term detrimental health effects. Smoking refusal self-efficacy predicts smoking behavior in adolescence. In adolescents' health education, digital interventions are potential tools to support smoking refusal self-efficacy. The aim of this two-arm cluster…

Rates of overweight and obesity have reached epidemic proportions in the United States with 42% of Americans being classified as obese (BMI >30) and 73% as overweight according to the CDC. The prevalence of obesity has steadily increased over the years and is not only a chronic disease in itself but is also a risk factor for countless others…

The effectiveness of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation is under debate. Informing smokers who are motivated to quit smoking about e-cigarettes may help them to make an informed decision about their use for smoking cessation, which, however, may also lead to unintended effects such as less quitting. This experimental study assessed the influence of…

Optimism bias is common across health risk assessments, including firearm injury risk, and can have behavioral consequences. Using data from the 2018 California Safety and Wellbeing Survey, we examine whether optimism bias influences firearm injury prevention practices and policy support by comparing the characteristics, behaviors, and opinions of…

Objective: The key to controlling tobacco use lies in preventing new smokers. Graphic health warnings and plain packaging are policy interventions to discourage cigarette consumption. This study examined the effect of the warning message frame (gain vs loss) and cigarette packaging (branded vs plain) in non-smokers. Methods: Young adult…

Nosocomial infections are among the major challenges faced by health systems worldwide, with hand hygiene being one of the simplest and most important preventive measures. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) in improving hand hygiene behaviour among hospital…

Objective: To examine the effect of receiving daily motivational text messages on the change in college students' nutritional choices and levels of physical activity. Participants: Two hundred and one university students participated in an eight-week experimental/control group study. Methods: All participants received a brochure that contained…

Hypertension (HTN) management continues to be a concern due to challenges with behavioral risk factors. Patient education to modify unhealthy behaviors appears to be effective in managing HTN. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to determine whether individualized face-to-face education and counseling have a beneficial effect on systolic and…

Legislative smoking bans that prohibit smoking in public places have successfully reduced passive smoking in public areas. However, smokers only partially adhere to smoking restrictions in their homes. Young children are particularly vulnerable to exposure to tobacco smoke because they spend more time at home. In this study, we designed an…

Excessive drinking is commonplace among college students and can lead to numerous negative consequences. Alcohol expectancies are a well-studied correlate of alcohol consumption, and greater understanding of expectancies in relation to drinking behavior and alcohol-related consequences could inform future assessment and intervention. Past research…

Objective: Over one-third of college students are overweight or obese and rates are rising. Whole body vibration (WBV) training could prevent weight gain but has not been tested in college students. Methods: Randomized controlled trial comparing thrice weekly WBV for 6 months to controls (CON) in undergraduate students. Feasibility included…

Objective: The high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among Nigerian young people has been linked to poor knowledge, attitudes and risk behaviour. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a sexuality education programme (SEP) in improving adolescents' STI/HIV knowledge and attitudes…

Background: This study assesses the long-term effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention on cigarette, passive, and hookah smoking in adolescent boys and girls. Methods: One thousand one hundred and fifty-nine adolescent participants of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) (2001-2004) were followed for 12 years. Participants in the intervention…