Effectiveness of a tailored communication intervention to improve physical activity in hypertensive patients: a twelve-month randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Arterial hypertension is one of the main cardiovascular risk factors. Despite this, individuals with hypertension often fail to follow medical advice to counteract cardiovascular risks. A physically active lifestyle is one of the most challenging behaviors to adopt. This study aimed to preliminarily investigate the effectiveness of a tailored print message intervention to increase physical activity in patients with arterial hypertension. METHODS: A sample of 188 patients with hypertension (mean age = 63 years; SD = 10.9; 50% men) participated in a theory-based tailored health communication intervention. Participants were randomly assigned to three parallel groups: (1) the tailored group, which received tailored health brochures; (2) the non-tailored group, which received non-tailored health brochures; or (3) the usual care group, which received no informative print materials. The longitudinal physical activity trajectories (baseline, 6- and 12-month follow-ups) were examined using repeated measures ANOVA and growth curve models. RESULTS: At the baseline, 38.8% of patients achieved the target physical activity. This percentage rose to 43.0% at 6-month follow-up and 46.0% at 12-month follow-up. The descriptive statistics divided in function of the experimental group suggested differences in the longitudinal trend of the mean physical activity depending on the experimental group. However, statistical significance using repeated measures ANOVA did not support this observation. The analysis of the growth curves suggested that the tailored group showed a progressive increase in physical activity over twelve months (the model that best described the longitudinal trajectory was a linear growth model). The non-tailored group showed an increase in physical activity six months after the beginning of the intervention, followed by a decrease (free time score model). The usual care group did not change over time (no-growth model). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest the effectiveness of the tailored intervention proposed. However, further investigations and empirical confirmations are required. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN13415993 ( https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN13415993 ). Registration date: 08/04/2019.

Self-efficacy beliefs as key ingredients to healthy and sustainable lifestyles. A five-year longitudinal study on diet and physical activity habits of newly diagnosed patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Cardiovascular diseases represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and an unhealthy lifestyle notoriously accounts for a large percentage of their risk. Identifying resources to stimulate lifestyle changes is an essential goal of primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention. Self-efficacy beliefs are among the major psychological factors proven to impact health status and lifestyle. This study aimed to confirm the role of self-efficacy beliefs by investigating their associations over 5 years of adherence to healthy lifestyles in terms of diet and physical activity in a sample of 275 newly diagnosed patients with acute coronary syndrome. Longitudinal profiles of lifestyles and self-efficacy beliefs in their improvement were identified through latent class growth analysis. Correlations were then performed to explore the associations between lifestyles and self-efficacy trajectories. Results showed a positive association between virtuous lifestyle profiles and high self-efficacy in implementing behavioural change. Finally, two logistic regressions were performed to test the hypothesis that a high self-efficacy profile would predict better lifestyles 5 years after the coronary event. This hypothesis was confirmed for diet. Overall, current findings confirm the importance of implementing repeated psychological interventions that promote patients' efficacy beliefs in self-regulating their behaviour changes over time.

Combining robot-assisted therapy with virtual reality or using it alone? A systematic review on health-related quality of life in neurological patients.

BACKGROUND: In the field of neurorehabilitation, robot-assisted therapy (RAT) and virtual reality (VR) have so far shown promising evidence on multiple motor and functional outcomes. The related effectiveness on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has been investigated across neurological populations but still remains unclear. The present study aimed to systematically review the studies investigating the effects of RAT alone and with VR on HRQoL in patients with different neurological diseases. METHODS: A systematic review of the studies evaluating the impact of RAT alone and combined with VR on HRQoL in patients affected by neurological diseases (i.e., stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's Disease) was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Electronic searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase, and PsychINFO (2000-2022) were performed. Risk of bias was evaluated through the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool. Descriptive data regarding the study design, participants, intervention, rehabilitation outcomes, robotic device typology, HRQoL measures, non-motor factors concurrently investigated, and main results were extracted and meta-synthetized. RESULTS: The searches identified 3025 studies, of which 70 met the inclusion criteria. An overall heterogeneous configuration was found regarding the study design adopted, intervention procedures and technological devices implemented, rehabilitation outcomes (i.e., related to both upper and lower limb impairment), HRQoL measures administered, and main evidence. Most of the studies reported significant effects of both RAT and RAT plus VR on patients HRQoL, whether they adopted generic or disease-specific HRQoL measures. Significant post-intervention within-group changes were mainly found across neurological populations, while fewer studies reported significant between-group comparisons, and then, mostly in patients with stroke. Longitudinal investigations were also observed (up to 36 months), but significant longitudinal effects were exclusively found in patients with stroke or multiple sclerosis. Finally, concurrent evaluations on non-motor outcomes beside HRQoL included cognitive (i.e., memory, attention, executive functions) and psychological (i.e., mood, satisfaction with the treatment, device usability, fear of falling, motivation, self-efficacy, coping, and well-being) variables. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the heterogeneity observed among the studies included, promising evidence was found on the effectiveness of RAT and RAT plus VR on HRQoL. However, further targeted short- and long-term investigations, are strongly recommended for specific HRQoL subcomponents and neurological populations, through the adoption of defined intervention procedures and disease-specific assessment methodology.

Quality of life changes over time and predictors in a large head and neck patients' cohort: secondary analysis from an Italian multi-center longitudinal, prospective, observational study-a study of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) head and neck working group.

PURPOSE: The present study examined the longitudinal trajectories, through hierarchical modeling, of quality of life among patients with head and neck cancer, specifically symptoms burden, during radiotherapy, and in the follow-up period (1, 3, 6, and 12 months after completion of radiotherapy), through the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory Head and Neck questionnaire, formed by three factors. Furthermore, analyses were conducted controlling for socio-demographic as well as clinical characteristics. METHODS: Multi-level mixed-effects linear regression was used to estimate the association between quality of life and time, age, gender, household, educational level, employment status, ECOG performance status, human papilloma virus (HPV) status, surgery, chemotherapy, alcohol intake, and smoking. RESULTS: Among the 166 participants, time resulted to be a predictor of all the three questionnaire factors, namely, general and specific related symptoms and interference with daily life. Moreover, regarding symptom interference with daily activities factor, HPV-positive status played a significant role. Considering only HPV-negative patients, only time predicted patients' quality of life. Differently, among HPV-positive patients, other variables, such as gender, educational level, alcohol use, surgery, age at diagnosis, employment status, and ECOG status, resulted significant. CONCLUSION: It was evident that quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer declined during RT, whereas it slowly improved after ending treatment. Our results clarified the role of some socio-demographic and clinical variables, for instance, HPV, which would allow to develop treatments tailored to each patient.

Impulsivity assessed ten years earlier and sociodemographic factors predict adherence to COVID-19 related behavioral restrictions in old individuals with hypertension.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had clear and dramatic repercussions on health, the economy, and psychosocial well-being. Behavioral measures, such as wearing facemasks and maintaining distance from others, have proven crucial in fighting the contagion's spread. This study aimed to investigate Type A personality traits and sociodemographic predictors of adherence to governmental measures in a sample of frail individuals. METHODS: A sample of 105 Italians over age 60 (Mean age = 70 years; 60.6% male) affected by hypertension who participated in a previous longitudinal study were assessed through a telephone structured interview. Sociodemographic information and Type A personality traits were retrieved from the original longitudinal study. Adherence behaviors were investigated through several questions regarding the compliance with home confinement, the use of facemasks and the observance of social distancing. Repeated measures Analyses of Variance (RMANOVA), Reliable Change Index, and binomial logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Only 33.3% of the participants reported adherence to all the governmental COVID-19 measures. Being a woman (OR = 4.84; 95% CI = 1.58, 14.90; p < 0.01), being retired (OR = 4.89; 95% CI = 1.09, 21.86; p < 0.05), and suffering from hypertension for a relatively short time (OR = 4.20; 95% CI = 1.22, 14.44; p < 0.05) positively predicted adherence to the governmental measures. Impulsivity resulted in a stable personality characteristic over the last ten years (p = 0.30). Having high levels of impulsivity (OR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.13, 4.59; p < 0.05) negatively predicted adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that impulsivity is a stable personality facet that can have a robust negative impact on adherence behaviors to health claims. Overall, results show the importance to tailor communication strategies that consider the role of sociodemographic indicators and impulsivity to achieve a high level of adherence.

A systematic review on the usability of robotic and virtual reality devices in neuromotor rehabilitation: patients' and healthcare professionals' perspective.

BACKGROUND: The application of virtual reality (VR) and robotic devices in neuromotor rehabilitation has provided promising evidence in terms of efficacy, so far. Usability evaluations of these technologies have been conducted extensively, but no overviews on this topic have been reported yet. METHODS: A systematic review of the studies on patients' and healthcare professionals' perspective through searching of PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsychINFO (2000 to 2021) was conducted. Descriptive data regarding the study design, participants, technological devices, interventions, and quantitative and qualitative usability evaluations were extracted and meta-synthetized. RESULTS: Sixty-eight studies were included. VR devices were perceived as having good usability and as a tool promoting patients' engagement and motivation during the treatment, as well as providing strong potential for customized rehabilitation sessions. By contrast, they suffered from the effect of learnability and were judged as potentially requiring more mental effort. Robotics implementation received positive feedback along with high satisfaction and perceived safety throughout the treatment. Robot-assisted rehabilitation was considered useful as it supported increased treatment intensity and contributed to improved patients' physical independence and psychosocial well-being. Technical and design-related issues may limit the applicability making the treatment difficult and physically straining. Moreover, cognitive and communication deficits were remarked as potential barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, VR and robotic devices have been perceived usable so far, reflecting good acceptance in neuromotor rehabilitation programs. The limitations raised by the participants should be considered to further improve devices applicability and maximise technological rehabilitation effectiveness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration ref. CRD42021224141 .

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Cardiovascular Management Self-efficacy Scale.

BACKGROUND: Self-efficacy plays a major role in the management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The original Cardiovascular Management Self-efficacy Scale (CMSS) was developed in 2016 in Italian patients with CVD; however, no such scale exists for Iranian patients with CVD. OBJECTIVE: We translated the CMSS into Persian and assessed its validity, reliability, and psychometric properties in Iranian patients with CVD. METHODS: This study was conducted for 4 months in 2017 on a group of consenting patients with CVD (N = 363) recruited from a cardiovascular hospital in Kermanshah, Iran. The reliability of the Persian CMSS was evaluated. We assessed validity, including face, content, construct, convergent, divergent, and discriminate validity, using the General Self-efficacy Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey Scale. Known-group validity was assessed among patients with high blood pressure. RESULTS: The Persian CMSS had acceptable face and content validity. No floor or ceiling effects were found for the total scale. Cronbach α was calculated as .68. Test-retest reliability was confirmed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC1,3 = 0.98, P < .001). Using exploratory factor analysis, 3 subscales were identified, similar to the original version. Significant correlations were found between the Persian CMSS and both the General Self-efficacy Scale (r = 0.94, P < .001) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (r = -0.35, P < .05). Self-efficacy measured using the Persian CMSS was statistically different between 2 levels of patients' health status (P < .05). Patients with hypertension had a lower level of self-efficacy than those in the healthy group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The Persian version of CMSS provides a practical, reliable, and valid scale for evaluating self-efficacy in the clinical management of Persian Iranian patients with CVD.

What hypertensive patients want to know [and from whom] about their disease: a two-year longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: This study explored both the evolution of the information needs and the perceived relevance of different health information sources in patients with essential hypertension. It also investigated the relationships between information needs and the perceived relevance of information sources with socio-demographic and clinical variables. METHODS: Two hundred and two patients with essential arterial hypertension were enrolled in the study and evaluated at baseline and during three follow-ups at 6, 12 and 24 months after baseline. Patients had a mean age of 54.3 years [range 21-78; SD = 10.4], and 43% were women. Repeated measures ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc tests, and Cochran's Q Test were performed to test differences in variables of interest over time. RESULTS: It was observed a significant reduction in all the domains of information needs related to disease management except for pharmacological treatment and risks and complications. At baseline, patients reported receiving health information primarily from specialists, general practitioners, relatives, and television, but the use of these sources decreased over time, even if the decrease was significant only for relatives. Multiple patterns of relationships were found between information needs and the perceived relevance of sources of information and socio-demographics and clinical variables, both at baseline and over time. CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed a general decrease in both the desire for information and the perceived relevance of different information sources. Hypertensive patients appeared to show little interest in health communication topics as their disease progressed. Understanding patients' information needs and the perceived relevance of different information sources is the first step in implementing tailored communication strategies that can promote patients' self-management skills and optimal clinical outcomes.

Testing an explanatory model of nurses' intention to report adverse drug reactions in hospital settings.

AIM: To test an explanatory model of nurses' intention to report adverse drug reactions in hospital settings, based on the theory of planned behaviour. BACKGROUND: Under-reporting of adverse drug reactions is an important problem among nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used. Data were collected with the adverse drug reporting nurses' questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to test the factor validity of the adverse drug reporting nurses' questionnaire, and structural equation modelling was used to test the explanatory model. RESULTS: The convenience sample comprised 500 Italian hospital nurses (mean age = 43.52). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the factor validity of the adverse drug reporting nurses' questionnaire. The structural equation modelling showed a good fit with the data. Nurses' intention to report adverse drug reactions was significantly predicted by attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control (R² = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: The theory of planned behaviour effectively explained the mechanisms behind nurses' intention to report adverse drug reactions, showing how several factors come into play. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: In a scenario of organisational empowerment towards adverse drug reaction reporting, the major predictors of the intention to report are support for the decision to report adverse drug reactions from other health care practitioners, perceptions about the value of adverse drug reaction reporting and nurses' favourable self-assessment of their adverse drug reaction reporting skills.

A longitudinal study on the information needs and preferences of patients after an acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Research has shown that the provision of pertinent health information to patients with cardiovascular disease is associated with better adherence to medical prescriptions, behavioral changes, and enhanced perception of control over the disease. Yet there is no clear knowledge on how to improve information pertinence. Identifying and meeting the information needs of patients and their preferences for sources of information is pivotal to developing patient-led services. This prospective, observational study was aimed at exploring the information needs and perceived relevance of different information sources for patients during the twenty-four months following an acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: Two hundred and seventeen newly diagnosed patients with acute coronary syndrome were enrolled in the study. The patients were primarily men (83.41 %) with a mean age of 57.28 years (range 35-75; SD = 7.98). Patients' needs for information and the perceived relevance of information sources were evaluated between 2 and 8 weeks after hospitalization (baseline) and during three follow-ups at 6, 12 and 24 months after baseline. Repeated measures ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc tests and Cochran's Q Test were performed to test differences in variables of interest over time. RESULTS: Results showed a reduction in information needs, but this decrease was significant only for topics related to daily activities, behavioral habits, risk and complication. At baseline, the primary sources of information were specialists and general practitioners, followed by family members and information leaflets given by physicians. Relevance of other sources changed differently over time. CONCLUSION: The present longitudinal study is an original contribution to the investigation of changes in information needs and preferences for sources of information among patients who are diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome. One of the main results of this study is that information on self-disease management is perceived as a minor theme for patients even two years after the event. Knowledge on how patients' information needs and perceived relevance of information sources change over time could enhance the quality of chronic disease management, leading health-care systems to move toward more patient-tailored care.

Social support and adherence to treatment in hypertensive patients: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: It is important to examine factors associated with patient adherence to hypertension control strategies. PURPOSE: A meta-analysis was conducted to examine whether social support was related to adherence to healthy lifestyle and treatment medication in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Journal articles were searched in medical (CINAHL, MEDLINE), psychological (PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES), and educational (ERIC) electronic databases; in reference lists of selected papers; and in the reference list of a previous review. RESULTS: Findings of a set of meta-analyses indicated that (a) structural social support was not significantly related to overall adherence, (b) functional social support was significantly and positively related to overall adherence, (c) these findings were further confirmed in meta-analyses conducted on specific types of adherence, and (d) most results were characterized by heterogeneity across studies that was partially explained by moderator analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Functional social support, but not structural social support, was associated with adherence in hypertensive patients.

Cardiovascular Management Self-efficacy: Psychometric Properties of a New Scale and Its Usefulness in a Rehabilitation Context.

BACKGROUND: Self-efficacy beliefs have been shown to affect various effective health-promoting behaviors in patients. Unfortunately, availability of reliable and valid measures of self-efficacy in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is still very limited. PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to present a new scale measuring self-efficacy beliefs in managing CVD and to examine its psychometric properties. METHODS: The study involved 172 patients (mean age = 66.4 years; SD = 9.99 years; 76.2% men) undergoing cardiovascular rehabilitation. Various psychological factors and CVD severity indicators were collected. RESULTS: An Exploratory Structural Equation Model showed that the Cardiovascular Management Self-efficacy Scale has three factors: Cardiac Risk Factors, Adherence to Therapy, and Recognition of Symptoms. They all showed high internal consistency, and good convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity. Furthermore, these factors showed significant relations with CVD severity indicators. CONCLUSIONS: The Cardiovascular Management Self-efficacy Scale could be a helpful instrument to monitor differences during interventions to improve good disease management.

Smoking behavior: a cross-sectional study to assess the dimensionality of the brief Wisconsin inventory of smoking dependence motives and identify different typologies among young daily smokers.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aims to investigate the dimensionality of the brief version of the Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives (B-WISDM) and identify different smoking motivational profiles among young daily smokers (N = 375). METHODS: We tested 3 measurement models of the B-WISDM using confirmatory factor analysis, whereas cluster analysis was used to identify the smokers' motivational profiles. Furthermore, we compared clusters toward dependence level and the number of cigarettes smoked per day using analysis of variance tests. RESULTS: The results confirmed that the B-WISDM measures 11 first-order intercorrelated factors. The second-order model, originally proposed for the longer version of the questionnaire, showed adequate fit indices but fitted the data significantly worse than the first-order model. Five motivational clusters were identified and differed in terms of tobacco addiction and the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Although each cluster had specific features, 2 main smoker groups were distinguished: Group A (composed of 3 clusters), which was mainly characterized by high levels of secondary dependence motives, and Group B (composed of 2 clusters), in which the primary and secondary dependence motives reached similar levels. In general, the clusters of Group B were more addicted to cigarettes than Group A clusters. CONCLUSIONS: Using the B-WISDM to identify different smoking motivational profiles has important practical implications because they might help characterize addiction, which represents the first step to help an individual quit smoking.

The influence of illness severity on health satisfaction in patients with cardiovascular disease: the mediating role of illness perception and self-efficacy beliefs.

The importance of psychological factors in improving conditions of cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients is stressed by the guidelines for their prevention and rehabilitation, but little is known about the impact of illness severity on patients' well-being, and on the psychosocial variables that may mediate this association. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of illness perception and self-efficacy beliefs on the relationship between illness severity and health satisfaction in 75 CVD patients undergoing rehabilitation (80% men; mean age = 65.44) at the St. Luca Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy. Illness severity was measured in terms of left ventricular ejection fraction; psychological factors were assessed at the beginning and end of rehabilitation. Results from path analyses showed that the relationships among CVD severity and health satisfaction were mediated by illness perception and self-efficacy beliefs. Findings underscored the importance of considering illness representations and self-efficacy beliefs to improve well-being in CVD patients.

Brief report: Assessing dispositional optimism in adolescence--factor structure and concurrent validity of the Life Orientation Test--Revised.

Dispositional optimism is an individual difference promoting psychosocial adjustment and well-being during adolescence. Dispositional optimism was originally defined as a one-dimensional construct; however, empirical evidence suggests two correlated factors in the Life Orientation Test - Revised (LOT-R). The main aim of the study was to evaluate the dimensionality of the LOT-R. This study is the first attempt to identify the best factor structure, comparing congeneric, two correlated-factor, and two orthogonal-factor models in a sample of adolescents. Concurrent validity was also assessed. The results demonstrated the superior fit of the two orthogonal-factor model thus reconciling the one-dimensional definition of dispositional optimism with the bi-dimensionality of the LOT-R. Moreover, the results of correlational analyses proved the concurrent validity of this self-report measure: optimism is moderately related to indices of psychosocial adjustment and well-being. Thus, the LOT-R is a useful, valid, and reliable self-report measure to properly assess optimism in adolescence.

Predicting physical activity and quality of life in coronary heart disease patients: An 18-month path analysis of motivational and emotional factors.

OBJECTIVE: Investigating factors that promote cardiovascular health outcomes is essential for secondary prevention. In a sample of coronary heart disease patients, we examined the direct and indirect effects of selected psychological factors on physical activity behavior and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) over 18 months. METHOD: Patient-reported data were collected over three time points. Through structured equation modeling, a longitudinal path analysis was conducted to estimate the indirect effects of baseline HRQoL and cardiac self-efficacy on reported physical activity behavior and HRQoL (evaluated at 18 months) through the mediation of anxiety and depression symptoms, patients' reported intention to change the behavior, and emotions regulation strategies (evaluated at 9 months). RESULTS: A total of 410 patients were included. Significant indirect effects of baseline HRQoL (ß = .05, 95% CI [-0.001, 0.111]) and cardiac self-efficacy (ß = .105, 95% CI [0.06, 0.16]) on physical activity behavior were found, with anxiety symptoms and emotions regulation strategies as significant mediators. Additionally, the mediation of reported intention in the association between cardiac self-efficacy and physical activity levels was estimated. At the final follow-up, we also found a significant direct association between physical activity behavior and HRQoL (ß = .12, p < .01), which was indirectly impacted by baseline HRQoL (ß = .006, 95% CI [0.000, 0.017]) and cardiac self-efficacy (ß = .012, 95% CI [0.003, 0.027]). CONCLUSIONS: This study underlines the significance of addressing stress management, anxiety symptoms reduction, and cardiac self-efficacy enhancement when targeting better cardiovascular health outcomes. Identifying cardiovascular risk profiles based on these findings may benefit future clinical practice and further inform secondary prevention policy guidelines. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Health-Related Lifestyles among University Students: Focusing on Eating Habits and Physical Activity.

The transition to higher education at University is a critical moment for young adults to acquire unhealthy habits regarding physical activity (PA) and adherence to a healthy diet. Negative behaviors might be maintained in the years to come with a major risk of suffering from a Non-Communicable Disease. This study aims to determine the relationship between diet and PA in the student community of University of Milano-Bicocca. Students between 18 and 30 years old completed an online survey (6949 students). Two analyses of covariance (ANCOVA), chi-square tests of independence, and a binomial logistic regression were performed to examine the relationship between adequacy of food consumption and PA, in association also with sociodemographic characteristics. Data show a strong correlation between behaviors analyzed, with a proportional positive association between PA and healthy diet. Nevertheless, a third of the sample students incur in incorrect habits for both diet and PA. Further, students performing intensive PA have the healthiest food consumption in general but the worst red meat and pork intake. Accordingly, men practice more PA but have a less adequate diet, exactly contrary to women. In conclusion, policies promoting consciousness of well-being would transform Universities into healthy hubs for virtuous habits.

Psychometric Properties of a Brief Version of the Perception of Risk of Heart Disease Scale in an Italian Sample.

INTRODUCTION: The number of Italian citizens unaware of their risk of cardiovascular disease it is still very high. AIM: This study aimed to translate and preliminarily validate a brief Italian version of the Perception of Risk of Heart Disease Scale (PRHDS). METHODS: PRHDS was culturally adapted to the Italian context. Then, the scale was administered to 772 healthy adults. By randomly dividing the sample into two subsamples, we tested the scale dimensionality through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) followed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Finally, we evaluated internal consistency. RESULTS: Psychometric properties of the scale were appropriate. EFA and CFA evidenced a unidimensional structure of a brief version of the scale, composed of six items. Internal consistency was adequate. CONCLUSIONS: Italian version of the brief PRHDS is a promising self-report questionnaire to measure cardiovascular risk perception among Italian adults.

Biopsychosocial effects and experience of use of robotic and virtual reality devices in neuromotor rehabilitation: A study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted therapy (RAT) and virtual reality (VR)-based neuromotor rehabilitation have shown promising evidence in terms of patient's neuromotor recovery, so far. However, still little is known on the perceived experience of use of robotic and VR devices and the related psychosocial impact. The present study outlines a study protocol aiming to investigate the biopsychosocial effects and the experience of use of robotic and non-immersive VR devices in patients undergoing neuromotor rehabilitation. METHODS: Adopting a prospective, two-arm, non-randomized study design, patients with different neuromotor diseases (i.e., acquired brain injury, Parkinson's Disease, and total knee/hip arthroplasty) undergoing rehabilitation will be included. In a real-world clinical setting, short- (4 weeks) and long-term (6 months) changes in multiple patient's health domains will be investigated, including the functional status (i.e., motor functioning, ADLs, risk of falls), cognitive functioning (i.e., attention and executive functions), physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and the psychological status (i.e., anxiety and depression, quality of life satisfaction). At post-intervention, the overall rehabilitation experience, the psychosocial impact of the robotic and VR devices will be assessed, and technology perceived usability and experience of use will be evaluated through a mixed-methods approach, including both patients' and physiotherapists' perspectives. Repeated measures within-between interaction effects will be estimated, and association analyses will be performed to explore the inter-relationships among the variables investigated. Data collection is currently ongoing. IMPLICATIONS: The biopsychosocial framework adopted will contribute to expanding the perspective on patient's recovery within the technology-based rehabilitation field beyond motor improvement. Moreover, the investigation of devices experience of use and usability will provide further insight into technology deployment in neuromotor rehabilitation programs, thereby maximising therapy engagement and effectiveness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05399043.

Latent change models of lifestyle in acute coronary syndrome patients: Are lifestyle changes associated with resilience changes?

This study aimed to examine the role of resilience resources in patients' lifestyle changes after the first Acute Coronary event. 275 Italian patients (84.0% men; mean age = 57.5, SD = 7.9) participated in a longitudinal study. Resilience resources (Self-esteem, Dispositional Optimism, Sense of Coherence - SOC, General and Disease-specific Self-efficacy), and lifestyles (diet, physical activity, and smoking) were assessed twice (at baseline and after 6 months). Path analysis using latent change models was performed to model the combined effect of levels and changes of the resilience resources over lifestyle changes. Patients with strong SOC at baseline were less prone to smoke and more prone to decrease smoking; enhancement in SOC was associated with a smoking decrease. High Disease-specific Self-efficacy at baseline was associated with an improvement in all lifestyles; enhancement in Disease-specific Self-efficacy predicted an increase in physical activity. Findings underline the need to design psychological interventions that promote patients' Disease-specific Self-efficacy and SOC.