Willingness to use smartphone apps for lifestyle management among patients with schizophrenia.

Mobile technology is a popular intervention mode for patients with schizophrenia because of its accessibility and functionality. We examined patients' willingness to use smartphone apps for lifestyle management and its effect on self-reported lifestyle habits. Five hundred fifty-five inpatients from various mental health institutions participated. Willingness to use smartphone apps was associated with age, education, income, device type, and body mass index. Positive opinions on smartphone app use were significantly associated with willingness to use apps, which was significantly associated with dietary and living habits. Thus, improving willingness to use apps can help patients improve their lifestyle, potentially preventing relapse.

Health Behaviors, Disparities and Deterring Factors for Breast Cancer Screening of Immigrant Women - A Challenge to Health Care Professionals.

BACKGROUND: This literature review was made to provide comprehensive to provide comprehensive understanding of health disparities as well as factors and barriers to cancer screening of immigrant women in multicultural societies. METHODS: Published articles from 1990-2013 were searched using databases such as CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed and Science Direct showing evidence of contributing factors and barriers to breast cancer screening practices of immigrant women in developed and developing countries. Based on the inclusion criteria, a total of 45 qualified articles were included in the review process. RESULTS: Articles included were quantitative and qualitative, written in English for publication, and subjects were middle-aged, married immigrant women. The identified influential factors and barriers that prevent immigrant women from cancer screening were categorized as individual, socio-cultural and behavioral factors. Socioeconomic status, education level and knowledge, availability of health insurance and acculturation were among the individual factors. Presence of social support and recommendation from health care professionals were strongly associated with compliance with cancer screening. Cultural beliefs and practices as well as behavioral factors were among the barriers that deter women from participating in cancer screening. CONCLUSION: To alleviate the negative factors and barriers that affect the participation of high-risk immigrant women, a client-centered assessment and intervention approach with specific regard to cultural beliefs and practices should be considered by health care professionals. Joint effort of individuals, community, health care professionals and government institutions are recommended to further address the continuous rise of breast cancer mortality worldwide.