The Role of Parental Health Literacy in Establishing Health-Promoting Habits in Early Childhood.

In early childhood, children are extremely susceptible to the acquisition of habits and the establishment of health-promoting habits. Therefore, the patterns, routines, and rules transmitted and expected by the adults surrounding the child are of paramount importance and can correlate with the level of their health literacy. Our cross-sectional, quantitative, exploratory study aimed to examine the relationships between parental health literacy and preschool children's health-related habits, using simple, non-random sampling (n = 598). In addition to the sociodemographic characteristics, the measuring tool we compiled included the standardized European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16), as well as a set of questions containing 30 statements suitable for exploring children's habit systems. The health literacy of the parents involved in our study proved to be more favorable than that of the general population. Regarding children's habit systems, we found significant differences in several areas by age group (p < 0.05) and gender (p < 0.05). The levels of parental health literacy (0.003 ≤ p ≤ 0.048) and parents' education (p < 0.05) show a correlation with the children's health-related habit systems: the indicators of children with parents who have a higher level of health literacy and a higher level of education are more favorable in terms of established habits. In the long term, the formation of health-promoting habits may facilitate the internalization of favorable health behavior motives for the future, contributing to the establishment of positive physical, mental, and social health in adulthood.

Downside of Helping Professions: A Comparative Study of Health Indicators and Health Behaviour among Nurses and Early Childhood Educators.

The activities of health care workers and early childhood educators have received increased attention both in lay public discourse and in scientific discourse. These professional groups play a significant role in shaping the health behaviours of those they interact with; thus, understanding the patterns they convey is of paramount importance. The aim of our study is a comparative analysis of health conditions and health behaviours of professionals working in Hungarian early childhood education and nurses working in the healthcare system (n = 1591). We carried out our quantitative, cross-sectional research using convenience sampling among healthcare professionals working in nursing job positions (n = 581) and as early childhood educators (n = 1010), in south-west Hungary. Diagnosed chronic illnesses affect early childhood educators at a significantly higher rate (p < 0.05): the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is particularly high among them, as a result of which they reported a significant degree of physical limitation in relation to work. In the context of mental health, comparing the professional groups, nurses' indicators were significantly (p < 0.001) more unfavourable in all examined dimensions. Moreover, the comparison in terms of educational attainment directed attention to the worse indicators of non-graduates. In this context, early childhood educators are less affected by all three dimensions of burnout (p < 0.001). As for health behaviour, the smoking habits of nurses are more unfavourable (p < 0.05). Regarding screening tests, participation in cytological testing was significantly higher among nurses, whereas early childhood educators showed increased participation in mammography (p < 0.001). Our findings draw attention to the fact that early childhood educators are primarily affected by chronic musculoskeletal disorders, while healthcare workers are more affected by problems related to mental health. Mental well-being can be further endangered by the fact that both professional groups perceive low social appreciation for the work they carry out.

Examination of professionals' well-being working in health sector in two Zala county hospitals / Betegellátásban dolgozók munkahelyi jóllétének vizsgálata két Zala megyei kórházban

Introduction: The living and working conditions of healthcare professionals are crucial to the quality and efficiency of patient care, therefore examining this issue is of highlighted importance. Objective: To explore the well-being of employees directly involved in the public health care system, through the characteristics of mental health and the workplace climate. Method: The cross-sectional, quantitative research was performed by using convenience sampling (n = 1048) between December 2019 and March 2020 in two hospitals in Zala county, Hungary. In addition to questions on sociodemographic and job characteristics, the measure tool included validated questionnaires developed to measure mental health as well as questions on workplace climate. Results: On the Diener Life Satisfaction Scale, a significant number of respondents (77.4%) indicated a scale value expressing satisfaction that was significantly higher among physicians (chi(2) = 28.36; df= 10; p = 0.01). Contrary to this, 61.5% of the sample show mild, 24.8% moderate, and 5.7% severe depressive symptoms according to the Beck Depression Scale. The appearance of depression mostly threatens professionals without a degree (chi(2) = 17.01; df= 6; p<0.01). Regarding burnout, the respondents were most affected by emotional exhaustion: 46.2% have moderate burnout and 16.4% have severe burnout, which is higher among male workers (t = 2.01, p = 0.04) and physicians (F = 4.14, p = 0.01). In terms of the institutional climate, respondents perceive partnerships in their work as unequal. In addition, health workers feel the social esteem of their work unfavorable, which fundamentally determines their professional identity and well-being. Conclusion: The results point out that promoting well-being at work is particularly important in jobs where burnout and depression are increased risks for workers exposed to mental strain.

Health Literacy in Early Childhood: A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies.

Early childhood plays a key role in the formation of healthy habits and the establishment of health literacy. Nonetheless, there are only a few research studies focusing on the health literacy level of children under the age of eight. The aim of our systematic review is to explore empirical research on health literacy related to early childhood. The research was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA protocol. This systematic review examines 12 studies published between 2013-2022. Results show that research focuses on different domains of health literacy for children. In relation to children's food literacy, children understand the relationship between health and nutrition and they realize the health impact of obesity. The habits connected to oral health are strongly associated with parents' knowledge of and behaviours around oral health. Results related to health care situations show that children are able to be actively involved in decision-making processes in connection with their health. Exploring young children's health literacy is essential in order to be able to plan health promotion interventions, embedded into early childhood education. Picture-based messages or story-based messages supported by illustrations can help measure health literacy in early childhood and can support the formation of health literacy.