E. Lisako J. McKyer

Using m-Health apps can provide researchers and others with an effective way for improving physical activity (PA) and healthy lifestyle behaviors. The promotion of health should move from a model focused on the physical and biological basis of illness and towards a focus on the behavioral changes that support health. Therefore, the aims of the current study were to improve PA (step-counts) and body weight using a theory-based m-Health app. A 12-week randomized treatment trial was carried out at Texas A&M University, Texas, college station. College students (n = 130) were recruited. They were randomized in an equal ratio of 1:1 to intervention (m-Health app) (n = 65) and control (n = 65) conditions. The response rate was (87.6%). Both groups utilized a Smartphone app. The intervention group received PA goals of (10,000 steps/day), using an m-Health app. The control group was provided with information related to daily recommended PA levels. The primary change was daily step count between the baseline and follow-up. The secondary outcome was the body mass index (BMI). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the baseline differences between the control and intervention groups. Independent sample t-test were used for comparison between the intervention and control groups. Post-intervention PAs were higher for the intervention group (mean = 54,896.) vs. control group (mean = 45,530.12; p < 0.05). The intervention group’s step-counts increased significantly (pre-mean = 40,320.38 steps per week; post-mean = 54,896.27 steps per week, p < 0.05). The body-weight changes were significant among the intervention group (p < 0.05). m-Health apps can increase PA and improve body weight, with goal setting and feedback as key intervention components. Future studies should personalize PA goals and feedback.

Background: A growing burden of mental health problems has become a global concern amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Sleep disorders are major mental health problems associated with increased psychosocial stressors; however, no research synthesis is available on the epidemiology of it. In this systematic scoping review, we aimed to assess the current evidence on the epidemiological burden, associated factors, and interventions from the existing literature. Method: Seven major health databases and additional sources were searched to identify, evaluate, and synthesize empirical studies on the prevalence and correlates of sleep disorders and available interventions. The Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology for Scoping Review were used, and the findings were reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Results: A total of 78 articles were retrieved, the prevalence of sleeping disorders ranged from 2.3% to 76.6%. Age, sex, level of education, physical and mental health, COVID-19 related factors, occupation especially being health care workers (HCW) were the main associated factors. Only two intentions were identified to address the issue. Conclusion: The finding of this review indicated a high burden of sleep disorder with limited interventions that necessitate informing policymakers and practitioners to facilitate future research and implementations. Brief summary: Current Knowledge/Study Rationale: Despite the paramount importance of sleep for the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals, sleep hygiene is often neglected which resulted in a high prevalence of sleep disorders across the globe. This condition is likely to worsen amid this pandemic. This is the first systematic scoping review of sleep disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study Impact: The findings of our study suggest a high prevalence of sleep disorder and highlight a wide range of socio-demographic factors to identify population groups vulnerable to the adverse outcomes of sleep disorder with limited interventions. These pieces of evidence will guide clinicians to make informed choices for better management of patients and aid public health professionals to prevent sleep disorder epidemic concurring with the current pandemic.

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is impacting human health globally. In addition to physical health problems, a growing burden of mental health problems has become a global concern amid this pandemic. Sleep disorders are major mental health problems associated with increased psychosocial stressors; however, no research synthesis is available on the epidemiology of sleep disorders. In this systematic scoping review, we aim to assess the current evidence on the epidemiological burden, associated factors, and interventions from the existing literature on sleep disorders. Methods: We will search seven major health databases and additional sources to identify, evaluate, and synthesize empirical studies on the prevalence and correlates of sleep disorders and available interventions addressing the same. We will use the Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology for Scoping Review and report the findings using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Conclusion: This review will identify the epidemiological burden of and interventions for sleep disorders. The findings of this review will be widely communicated with the research and professional community to facilitate future research and practice.