General practitioners' educational and training needs and requirements for advising patients with coronary heart disease on physical activity: findings from a qualitative study in Germany.

Background: The World Health Organization and German treatment guidelines emphasise integrating physical activity (PA) advice into primary care of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, this is often inadequately implemented in German general practice. A key barrier may be healthcare professionals' limited knowledge and skills in providing effective and efficient PA guidance - both in general as well as for patients with CHD.

Intervention to Increase Condom Use Among Users of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Self-Sampling Websites (Wrapped): Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia are common among young people and can lead to serious health issues if untreated. Although condoms are recommended for prevention, many young people report inconsistent use during penetrative sex. Web-based STI testing is becoming increasingly popular, but these services typically offer minimal support or guidance on preventing future infections.

Collecting behavioural data across countries during pandemics: Development of the COVID-19 Risk Assessment Tool.

Tools that can be used to collect behavioural data during pandemics are needed to inform policy and practice. The objective of this project was to develop the Your COVID-19 Risk tool in response to the global spread of COVID-19, aiming to promote health behaviour change. We developed an online resource based on key behavioural evidence-based risk factors related to contracting and spreading COVID-19.

A Multimodal Analysis of Online Information Foraging in Health-Related Topics Based on Stimulus-Engagement Alignment: Observational Feasibility Study.

Background: The recent increase in online health information-seeking has prompted extensive user appraisal of encountered content. Information consumption depends crucially on the quality of encountered information and the user's ability to evaluate it; yet, within the context of web-based, organic search behavior, few studies take into account both these aspects simultaneously.

Objective: We aimed to explore a method to bridge these two aspects and grant even consideration to both the stimulus (web page content) and the user (ability to appraise encountered content).

Determinants of loss to follow-up among women on option B + in Southern Ethiopia, 2014-2022: a cohort study.

The World Health Organization has realized Option B + program to ensure lifelong antiretroviral therapy for all women with human immunodeficiency virus to eradicate the vertical transmission of the virus. The Option B + program is expected to achieve the United Nations target of 95% retention in care by 2025. Despite the successful implementation of Option B + in southern Ethiopia for the past nine years, the issue of loss to follow-up continues to be a major challenge.

Experiences, perceptions and attitudes on providing advice on physical activity to patients with chronic ischaemic heart disease: a qualitative study in general practitioners in Germany.

Background And Objective: The WHO emphasises the importance of integrating advice on physical activity (PA) into primary care of patients with chronic ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Similarly, the German treatment guideline 'Chronic Coronary Heart Disease' recommends that general practitioners (GPs) provide advice on PA to IHD patients. However, the provision of PA advice seems to be inadequately implemented in general practice.

The impact of sugar-sweetened beverages tax policy on cases of diabetes, depression, heart attacks, hypertension, and stroke in the 35 years and 40 years cohorts of South Africa.

In 2018, South Africa became the first African country to implement a sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) tax policy. This study evaluates its impact on diabetes, depression, heart attacks, hypertension, and stroke among South Africans aged 35 and 40. Data from 2016 to 2017 (control group) and 2018-2021 (treatment group) were analysed using an Instrumental Variables (IV) estimation model.

"If you ask me … ": experienced cardiac rehabilitation patients' perspectives on maintaining regular heart-healthy physical activity.

Purpose: Despite the proven benefits of regular exercise and physical activity (PA), engagement of cardiac patients and adherence to recommended PA remain challenging. This study aimed to interview cardiac patients who are experienced in maintaining a physically active lifestyle to gain insight into how regular PA can become part of one's life after a cardiac event.

Methods: Twenty-five cardiac patients (18 men and 7 women; age range 39-83 years) participated in audio-recorded, semi-structured qualitative interviews.

A rapid scoping review on operationalizing cognitive and social activities in research on dementia risk reduction.

Objectives: Engagement in cognitive and social activities may protect against dementia. However, insight into how to adequately measure activity engagement is a necessary precursor of science. This study explores (a) how cognitive and social activities are measured in research investigating protective activities against dementia, and (b) the extent to which preventive interventions promote activities that are operationalized in measurements.

Planning for successful participant recruitment and retention in trials of behavioural interventions: Feasibility randomised controlled trial of the Wrapped intervention.

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) must have sufficient power if planned analyses are to be performed and strong conclusions drawn. A prerequisite of this is successful participant recruitment and retention. Designing a comprehensive plan for participant recruitment and retention prior to trial commencement is recommended, but evidence concerning successful strategies, and how to go about developing a comprehensive plan, is lacking.

A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring the Feasibility of a Digital Combined Lifestyle Intervention for Patients With Post Covid-19 Condition.

Introduction: Low physical activity and poor dietary quality can negatively influence Covid-19 recovery and increase the risk and duration of post-Covid-19 condition (PCC). This proof-of-concept nested intervention study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a digital personalised combined lifestyle intervention (CLI) in patients with PCC using a mixed-methods design, assessing compliance, experiences and perceived effectiveness.

Methods: A nested intervention study, incorporating motivational interviewing aiming to enhance physical activity and dietary quality, was conducted within a multicentre prospective cohort study including 95 post-Covid-19 patients (aged 40-60) between May 2021 and September 2022.

Physical activity interventions for the cardiac population: A generic logic model based on intervention mapping.

Regular physical activity constitutes a crucial secondary prevention behaviour for people who have had an acute cardiac event. Nonetheless, sustained physical activity levels of the cardiac population are in need of improvement. Applying the Intervention Mapping approach, we describe a generic logic model for developing behavioural interventions to increase and maintain physical activity among those who have had an acute cardiac event.

Psychosocial factors associated with physical activity, weight management, and sleep in adults with hip and knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease primarily affecting older adults, mainly impacting the hip and knee joints. The increasing prevalence of OA contributes to rising healthcare demands and costs. Current OA treatment guidelines emphasize the importance of self-management education and guidance, particularly in promoting physical activity and weight management.

How did Moroccan immigrants in the Netherlands decide with regard to their COVID-19 vaccine uptake? An exploratory qualitative study.

Background: In the Netherlands, a low COVID-19 vaccination uptake was reported among Moroccan immigrants. This population also faced a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, as well as severe morbidity and mortality, compared to native Dutch. We aimed to explore the COVID-19 vaccination decision-making process and the process from vaccination intention to uptake among Moroccan immigrants in the Netherlands.

Barriers, facilitators, needs, and preferences in seeking information regarding cervical cancer prevention programs among Turkish, Moroccan, and Syrian immigrant women: a scoping review.

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Immigrant women are often disproportionately affected by CC but show low participation in CC screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.

Methods: We conducted a scoping review on immigrant women's information needs regarding CC screening participation and HPV vaccination uptake.

Healthcare providers' intention to discriminate against people with HIV.

Background: Healthcare providers' discrimination practices against people with HIV is a real challenge for control and prevention efforts. The study aims to explore the association between healthcare providers' intention to discriminate against people with HIV and HIV stigma-related constructs, their sociodemographic, and occupation characteristics in Sudan.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of healthcare providers was carried out in governmental hospitals in Kassala State, Sudan.

Combining telephone and online channels: Experiences of the Dutch STI sex information helpline.

Introduction: The Dutch STI Sex Information Helpline has gradually expanded its telephone services to include online services via email and online chat. In addition, a thematic broadening of AIDS and HIV-related support took place, covering almost all Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights topics. Since 2015, the helpline collaborates closely with public sexual health clinics' nurses to provide online chat-services.

How is digital technology used to facilitate shared decision-making between healthcare professionals and patients in cardiovascular care? A scoping review.

Aims: To (i) identify characteristics of digital technologies (DTs) used to facilitate shared decision-making (SDM) within the field of cardiovascular care, (ii) examine conceptualizations of SDM underpinning these DTs, and (iii) summarize designs and outcomes of evaluation studies concerning these DTs.

Methods And Results: We conducted a scoping review following methodological guidelines by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Ten scientific databases were searched.

Relevant determinants of Dutch patients' informed decision-making and use of online access to medical records.

Patient online access to medical records can foster patient empowerment and advance patient-centered healthcare. Despite high patient interest, user rates often remain low. While previous research has identified determinants influencing the adoption of online access, this study assessed the relevance of these determinants.

Community Perspectives on Inequalities in the Provision of Basic Healthcare Services for the Most Vulnerable Populations in the Eastern Congo: A Qualitative Study.

Background: There is a notable lack of evidence regarding the factors that shape the provision of essential healthcare services in post-conflict settings.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore and describe the factors influencing the provision of basic health care services for the most vulnerable populations in the Eastern Congo.

Method: Employing a qualitative research approach, twenty individual interviews with community members and thirteen focus group discussions were conducted.

Working Elements in Interventions to Reduce Problematic Alcohol Use According to Older Adults: A Realist Evaluation.

This study explored working elements (E) and mechanisms (M) in interventions within different contexts (C), contributing to the outcome (O) of reducing (problematic) alcohol use among older adults. Guided by a realist evaluation approach, interviews with older adults participating in interventions ( = 20) were conducted. In different contexts, several working elements were identified: (1) receiving information about alcohol and health (risks); (2) paying attention to abstinence; (3) being in contact with and receiving support from peers and relatives; (4) maintaining contact with a practitioner or peer/buddy who is always or flexibly available for communication; and (5) learning to manage drinking behavior, and one important mechanism was identified: motivation.

Barriers and facilitators to maternal healthcare in East Africa: a systematic review and qualitative synthesis of perspectives from women, their families, healthcare providers, and key stakeholders.

Background: In East Africa, women face significant challenges accessing maternal healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. While several studies have examined barriers and facilitators to maternal care, there is no comprehensive review reflecting the various perspectives of women, their families, healthcare providers, and key stakeholders. We systematically reviewed qualitative literature on maternal healthcare in East Africa, synthesizing insights from multiple perspectives and exploring barriers and facilitators across socioecological levels.

Systematic optimization and evaluation of a Dutch sexual health intervention: Role model stories for chlamydia prevention, testing, and treatment.

Background: The rapidly evolving nature of eHealth necessitates regular optimization and subsequent evaluation. Within the Dutch sexual health intervention Sense.info, we utilized a mixed-methods cyclic evaluation process to assess and optimize the potential impact of the chlamydia page.

Psychometric Validation of the German Version of the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA): A Secondary Analysis of Cross-Sectional Survey Data.

Background And Aims: Regular physical activity holds numerous health benefits for older people, yet the majority of older people do not meet the World Health Organization's physical activity recommendations. Brief physical activity screening tools can support healthcare professionals in identifying patients who would benefit from physical activity promotion and counselling. The Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) questionnaire is a validated brief physical activity screening tool designed for clinical practice.

Evaluating the Implementation of Home-Based Sexual Health Care Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: Limburg4zero.

Home-based sexual health care (including self-sampling testing) could reduce barriers to clinic-based testing. This study systematically evaluated the implementation of home-based sexual health care ('Limburg4Zero') among men who have sex with men (MSM) in a mixed urban-rural region of the Netherlands. We systematically assessed implementation outcomes (contextual domains, population reached, effectiveness, adoption by health care providers (HCP), implementation fidelity, and maintenance) using the practical, robust implementation and sustainability model.