Open Access Articles - Health Behavior and Policy Review

Characteristics of Workers’ Food Programs and Policies around the World: A Scoping Review

A Fast Track Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Fernanda M. de Albuquerque, PhD
Gimena B. Souza, MSc
Vivian C. R. Cunha, PhD
Cíntia C. Curioni, PhD
Daniel H. Bandoni, PhD
Daniela S. Canella, PhD

Objective:

In this scoping review, we mapped general characteristics of public policies, programs, and local actions related to nutrition for formal sector workers worldwide.

Methods:

We searched the PubMed, Lilacs, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus databases, Google Scholar, Governmental websites, NOURISHING framework (World Cancer Research Fund International), Global Database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (World Health Organization) in February, 2025, with no restriction on publication date or language. We included documents related to public policies, programs and actions that relate to recommendations and restrictions on the provision of meals, food and drink to workers, in the context of the organizational food environment.

Results:

We examined 27 publications and identified seven guidelines, six toolkits, eleven policies/laws/programs, directives, and one food and nutrition education action. The United States was the country with the most initiatives. Eleven actions were identified as determining standards for purchasing/offering meals, food and drink in the workplace.

Conclusions:

Although we identified many different experiences, strengthening control and accountability mechanisms is necessary to overcome barriers to addressing malnutrition among workers. The evidence presented could help develop policies that can contribute to better workers’ living conditions and health.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.5.3

Steven Rowe2026-01-18T14:36:20-07:00January 18th, 2026|Food Policy, Nutrition|

Comparison of Salient Beliefs and Their Impact on Physical Activity before and during COVID-19: Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior

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A Fast Track Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Seiyeong Park, PhD
Chung Gun Lee, PhD

Objective:

We examined differences in salient beliefs about physical activity (PA) and their influence on PA intention and behavior among South Korean university students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

We used the Theory of Planned Behavior as a basis for the study. We used a repeated cross-sectional design. We conducted elicitation studies, and main and followup surveys with South Korean university students at two time points during September-October 2018 (n = 234) and September-December 2021 (n = 199). We used content analysis to identify salient beliefs about PA; we used structural equation modeling to analyze relationships among salient beliefs, PA intention, and behavior.

Results:

Prior to the pandemic, salient beliefs such as ‘builds social relationships,’ ‘takes too much time,’ and ‘friends’ significantly predicted PA intention and behavior. During the pandemic, ‘improves health status,’ ‘family members,’ and ‘laziness’ were significant predictors of PA intention and behavior although students’ average weekly PA time was decreased by half during the pandemic.

Conclusions:

The findings highlight how salient beliefs can shift substantially across contexts. Identifying such changes may improve predictions of PA engagement among university students, not only in the post-pandemic era but also in preparation for potential future public health crises.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.5.1

Steven Rowe2026-01-12T21:58:08-07:00January 12th, 2026|COVID19, Physical Activity|

Impact of Web-based Activity Breaks on Child Physical Activity and Time Off-task: A Pilot Study

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A Fast Track Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Holly R. Huddleston, PhD
Vaughn W. Barry, PhD
Dana K. Fuller, PhD
Sarah J. Adams, DA
Jennifer L. Caputo, PhD

Objective:

Classroom activity breaks (ABs) have physical and cognitive benefits, although effectiveness of Web-based ABs remains unexplored. The purpose of this study was to assess impacts of three-minute Web-based AB on physical activity (PA) and time off-task in second graders (N = 38).

Methods:

This quasi-experimental design was implemented in a primary school setting. The SenseWear Armband assessed PA and a modified Behavioral Observation System in Schools assessed time off-task. Children participated twice in four conditions: control (CON), non-active breaks (NAB), one active break (1AB), and two active breaks (2ABs). Breaks entailed physically active or meditation GoNoodle videos.

Results:

Number of breaks was a significant predictor of PA (F(2, 68.47) = 25.85, p <.001), eliciting significantly higher PA intensity with each additional AB. We found a significant interaction between break type (CON, NAB, 1AB) and lesson (middle, post) (F(2, 163.95) = 4.73, p=.01), with a significant main effect for break type (F(2, 166.67) = 10.52, p<.001). Break type affected time off-task during post-lesson (F(2, 167.26) = 13.67, p<.001), with the AB condition demonstrating significantly lower time off-task than CON or NAB.

Conclusions:

Web-based ABs are an effective way to increase PA intensity and decrease time off-task in second graders.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.5.2

Steven Rowe2026-01-12T21:56:25-07:00January 12th, 2026|Physical Activity, School Health|

Multiple Health Risk Behaviors: A Rapid Review and Dynamic Model of Adolescent Health Risk Behavior

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A Fast Track Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Mariyam Abbas, MA
Ella R. Fink, BS
Julia Wood, BA
Theodore A. Walls, PhD

Objective:

This study addresses a crucial gap in understanding multiple health risk behaviors (MHRBs) among adolescents and young adults by presenting a conceptual model of interconnectedness of health risk behaviors. Our model emphasizes that combined MHRBs amplify potential harms and complicate health outcomes.

Methods:

We conducted a rapid review focused on two key areas: (1) the impact of multiple risky behaviors on mental health and (2) potential intervention strategies to mitigate adverse MHRB outcomes. Following a quality assessment, we categorized 30 studies into three themes to inform our conceptualization of MHRBs.

Results:

The review revealed a high prevalence of studies on adolescents and collegeaged individuals engaging in MHRBs. Mental health studies indicated negative outcomes, and intervention-focused studies suggested that behavior change techniques could effectively mitigate these risks. Analyzing themes facilitated the development of a theoretical model called IMHRBDynamic that integrates MHRBs, offering a comprehensive understanding of how these behaviors interact and influence overall health outcomes.

Conclusions:

Our conceptualization of MHRBs promotes early interventions addressing individual and socio-environmental factors to strengthen youth health outcomes systemically.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.4.4

Steven Rowe2026-01-07T10:44:11-07:00January 7th, 2026|Adolescents, Mental Health, Substance Use, Youth|

Mobile Health Interventions for Noncommunicable Disease Prevention: GERMAS App Use at a University

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A Fast Track Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Lita Sri Andayani, PhD
Ernawati Nasution, PhD
Eddy Syahrial, MS
Juliandi Harahap, PhD

Objective:

In this study, we assessed the impact of the GERMAS mobile app on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) for non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention among Indonesian university students.

Methods:

We used a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design with 40 students. We used validated KAP questionnaires and clinical measures (BMI, blood pressure, uric acid). We analyzed data using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

Results:

The intervention group showed statistically significant improvements. “Good” knowledge increased from 0% to 27.5% (p < .001), attitudes improved to the “enough” category (p < .001), and healthy practices rose from 50% to 100% (p < .001). Systolic (p = .014) and diastolic blood pressure (p = .029) and gout levels significantly decreased (p < .001). Changes in BMI, glucose, and cholesterol were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

The GERMAS app enhanced health literacy and behaviors while reducing certain clinical risk factors, highlighting its potential as a mobile-based strategy for NCD prevention.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.4.2

Steven Rowe2025-12-29T22:07:27-07:00December 29th, 2025|Indonesia, Technology Use|

Self-medication Practices among Adolescents and Youth in India: A Systematic Scoping Review

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A Fast Track Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

N Siva, PhD, MSc, RN, RM
Sumitra Jena, MSc, RN, RM
Mamata Swain, MSc, RN, RM
Debalina Ghosh, MSc, RN, RM
Nageshwar Venkatesh Reddy, PhD, MSc, RN, RM
Vasudevan Nattamai Jothilal, PhD, MSc, RN, RM
Edlin Glane Mathias, PhD, MPhil, MSc, RN, RM

Objective:

In this review, we explore the prevalence, patterns, and contributing factors of self medication among Indian youth, encompassing both healthcare and non-healthcare students, to support targeted interventions.

Methods:

The review was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines, employing the Arksey and O’Malley framework for methodological rigor and the PAGER framework for synthesis. Systematic searches were performed across PubMed, Scopus, and Indian repositories for studies published in English between January 2010 and December 2024. Inclusion was based on PICO criteria, and a quality appraisal checklist for observational studies was used

Results:

We included 76 studies involving 23,497 students (14,639 females and 8858 males). The prevalence of self-medication was 69% among healthcare students and 70% among non-healthcare students. Analgesics (70%-91%) and antibiotics (20%-90.7%) were most commonly used. We identified major knowledge gaps in dosage, side effects, and safety, with pharmacies and previous prescriptions serving as the primary sources. Adverse drug reactions were reported by 19.9% of participants.

Conclusions:

High rates of self-medication among Indian youth underscore the urgent need for educational strategies and regulatory actions to promote safe, informed medication practices.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.4.1

Steven Rowe2025-12-07T15:17:36-07:00December 7th, 2025|Adolescents, India|

Helping Everyone Achieve a LifeTime of Health – Future Addiction Scientist Training Program Outcomes

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An Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Asfand B. Moosa, BS
Christina M. Segura, BS
Ammar D. Siddiqi, MPH
Hinal Patel, BDS, MPH
Tzuan A. Chen, PhD
Anastasia Rogova, PhD
Marcy Zere, BA
Ezemenari M. Obasi, PhD
Lorraine R. Reitzel, PhD, FAAHB, FSRNT

Objective:

Addiction to alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs (ATOD) remains a leading cause of cancer and a contributor to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, disproportionately affecting marginalized and minoritized groups. Social and structural inequities increase these risks. A diverse scientific workforce is necessary to mitigate ATOD-related health disparities; yet, underrepresentation persists in ATOD research. Helping Everyone Achieve a LifeTime of Health – Future Addiction Scientist Training (HEALTH–FAST) is a NIDA funded research education program to reduce ATOD-related disparities by training future scholars in addiction science and health equity.

Methods:

From 2021-2023, eight Doctoral Scholars, two Postdoctoral Fellows, and six Early-Stage Investigators were trained in the HEALTH-FAST Program.

Results:

Participants showed gains in research knowledge, research self-efficacy, and research preparation. As of April 2025, scholars produced 160 peer-reviewed publications and 41 grants.

Conclusions:

HEALTH-FAST can serve as a model research education program to train historically excluded scholars and diversify the ATOD health equity research workforce to address health disparities.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 12, Number 3, September 2025, pp. 1956-1974(19)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.3.5

Steven Rowe2025-10-15T22:06:52-06:00September 30th, 2025|Health Equity|

Development and Validation of the Transtheoretical Model-based Questionnaire to Assess Dietary Iron Intake in Adolescent Girls

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An Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Chethana Chandrasekar, MSc
Priyanka Pareek, PhD
Aparna Thorat, PhD
Poonam Khanna, PhD
Rashmi Kulkarni, MSc

Objective:

In this study, our objective was to develop and validate a Transtheoretical Model (TTM)-based questionnaire to assess dietary iron intake in adolescent girls of ages 13-18 years.

Methods:

A 38-item pool developed based on TTM constructs underwent psychometric analysis. We assessed face and content validity by participants and experts. We measured internal consistency and stability using Cronbach’s alpha and an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). We assessed construct validity through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Results:

The items contributed to a satisfactory content validity index (CVI ≥ .8). CFA showed good model fit with comparative factor index (CFI = .991-1.00), goodness of fit index (GFI = .954-.983), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA = .059-.079). The questionnaire demonstrated satisfactory reliability, with internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .734-.919) and stability (ICC = .775-.879).

Conclusions:

This validated questionnaire enables assessment of behavioral changes related to dietary iron intake in adolescent girls and can guide interventions to improve iron consumption.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 12, Number 3, September 2025, pp. 1975-1987(13)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.3.6

Steven Rowe2025-10-15T22:04:51-06:00September 30th, 2025|Adolescents|

Using Communications Technology to Mitigate Isolation: Experiences of Older Adults in the COVID-19 Pandemic

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An Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Ellen N. Rokicki, BS
Mark J. VanLandingham, PhD

Objective:

Older adults are at risk for loneliness and social isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this vulnerability. The objective of this work was to describe and generalize older adults’ experiences using communications technology to stay connected throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 older adults We used purposive sampling. We used NVIVO to conduct a thematic analysis of the qualitative transcript data.

Results:

Whereas many older adults reported profound changes in their social patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic, a large portion of respondents reported minimal change. Some of our respondents employed longstanding forms of technology to maintain social connections, whereas others leveraged newer forms to help them navigate the altered social landscape. We found differences in the degree of willingness to embrace technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. These differences appear to be influenced by variations in perceived opportunities, perceived difficulties, and concerns about privacy.

Conclusions:

Our results highlight opportunities to leverage communications technology to mitigate social isolation and loneliness among older adults during a public health emergency. They also illuminate opportunities to address the general and longstanding problems of social isolation and loneliness among older adults.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 12, Number 3, September 2025, pp. 1942-1955(14)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/psp/hbpr/pre-prints/content-psp_hbpr_1234

Steven Rowe2025-10-15T22:10:34-06:00September 25th, 2025|COVID19|

Establishing an Integrated School Health Program at Public Sector Schools: A Mixed-Method Study from Islamabad, Pakistan

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An Open Access article published in the Health Behavior and Policy Review Journal.

Authors:

Syeda Aimen Abbas, MSPH
Babar Tasneem Shaikh, PhD, FRCP (Edin)
Mariam Ashraf, MBBS, PhD

Objective:

Many countries integrate school health programs for early detection and intervention for certain health risks. In this study, we assessed school policies and practices regarding the health of the students in public schools, and determined the possibility of establishing an integrated school health program.

Methods:

We studied personnel at 67 schools, and conducted a detailed evaluation of children in two public schools in Islamabad, including a survey of school health policies, teachers’ training, and a NEEDS (Nutrition, Eye, Ear, Dental & Skin) screening by trained teachers and healthcare professionals.

Results:

Among 67 schools, none provided on-site health services, with no designated school health coordinator, and most lacked a school health policy. All expressed willingness to implement a school health program. Screening revealed 33% of students with nutrition problems, 8.5% vision problems, 5% hearing difficulties, 45% dental issues, and 39% skin and hygiene concerns. Teacher training was effective, and most of agreed to take the responsibility of health screening children.

Conclusions:

Implementing an integrated school health program can be a challenge because of resource constraints; yet, it can enhance student health and learning outcomes through teachers’ training and systematic screenings. Such a model can yield positive outcomes and improved students’ well-being.

Source: Health Behavior and Policy Review, Volume 12, Number 3, September 2025, pp. 1932-1941(10)
Publisher: Paris Scholar Publishing Ltd.
Article Link: https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.12.3.3

Steven Rowe2025-10-15T22:12:45-06:00September 15th, 2025|Health Policy, School Health|

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