Determinants of unhealthy sleeping habits among Belgian university students: an application of the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Objectives: This study investigated if unhealthy sleeping habits of university students can be explained by the Theory of Planned Behavior. Method: An online questionnaire was administered to 1006 undergraduate students at a Belgian university to measure their frequency of irregular sleeping times, daytime napping, and pre-bedtime alcohol or internet use, as well as the attitudes, perceived norms, perceived control and intentions for these behaviors. Results: Principal Component Analysis and internal consistency analysis confirmed the validity and reliability of the scales measuring the TPB dimensions. Expected outcomes, perceived norms and perceived control significantly explained intentions to avoid irregular sleeping times, daytime naps, pre-bedtime activity and pre-bedtime alcohol use. Intentions and perceived behavioral control explained self-reported irregular sleeping times, daytime napping, pre-bedtime activity, and pre-bedtime alcohol use. Significant differences in predictions were found for gender, study program, type of residence and age. Conclusions: The TPB provides a useful theoretical framework to explain students' sleeping behaviors.

General Practitioners and Community Pharmacists' Collaboration in Primary Care: Small Steps for a Major Change.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare authorities worldwide search for ways to develop integrated care and interprofessional collaboration. In Belgium, Medical-Pharmaceutical Concertation (MPC) was introduced as a format to promote constructive dialogues between GPs and community pharmacists (CPs) with a focus on pharmacotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the implementation of MPC from the perspective of healthcare authorities and GPs/CPs. METHODS: Mixed-methods approach, including semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and service users, observations of MPC meetings and surveys in GPs/CPs. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed inductively. RESULTS: The implementation of MPC took a slow start. Parties involved had divergent views on the goals of the MPC: stakeholders focused on measurable results, while service users aimed on improving interprofessional communication. Additionally, service users felt that the lack of local structures hindered consensus building and implementation of agreements in daily practice. Support from professional associations was considered indispensable for the implementation of MPC. In order to organize this efficiently, the establishment of an independent institution, coordinating the MPC initiative, was highly recommended. CONCLUSION: The study confirms that a thorough context assessment prior to implementation of a complex project is needed and that a step-wise approach should be respected to achieve effective interprofessional relationships.