The Ecological Paradox: Can Human Prosperity and Planetary Health Co-Exist?

Over the past century, advances in public health have led to longer, healthier, and more prosperous lives. However, this rising prosperity has led to increases in consumption contributing to loss of biodiversity, climate change, air pollution, ocean acidification, and deforestation. In his new book entitled, “Survival: One Health, One Planet, One Future,” George Lueddeke examines this paradox and what can be done to ensure a sustainable planet as well as healthy human and animal populations

Health Behaviors and Pandemics

Human health behaviors are essential to reducing the spread and impact of pandemics. However, most behavioral scientists do not work in the area of pandemics given the infrequency of their occurrences. This editorial examines relevant health behavior theories, in particular the precaution adoption process model, and how these apply to the COVID-19 pandemic

Correlates of Smoke-Free Policies in Homes and Cars Among Hawaii Residents

The detrimental health effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) have been well established. Cars and homes are two of the primary places that nonsmokers, particularly children, are exposed to ETS. This study examined the prevalence of smoke-free policies in homes and cars among 4,557 residents of Hawaii using cross-sectional data collected from a random-digit dial telephone survey. Smokers were much less likely than nonsmokers and former smokers to have smoke-free policies. Multivariate analysis of current smokers revealed that significant predictors of banning smoking in the home were: disagreeing that it is okay to smoke indoors, smoking fewer cigarettes per day, and higher confidence in ability to quit smoking. Significant predictors of banning smoking in the car were: disagreeing that it is okay to smoke indoors, smoking fewer cigarettes per day, and having children in the household. This study indicates that changing smokers’ attitudes about ETS may be an important component of a comprehensive program to increase smoke-free homes and cars

The Association between Family and Parental Factors and Obesity among Children in Nanchang, China

Background: With rapid economic development in China, traditional patterns of health behaviors are changing, concurrent with a rise in childhood obesity. While the home environment and parenting behaviors are modifiable factors that could be targeted for intervention, little is known about their relationship with children’s health behaviors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between obesity and home and parenting factors in Chinese children. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Nanchang, China in 2013 with caregivers (N = 470) of a child between the ages of 2-10 years. Regression analyses were conducted to determine risk factors for childhood obesity. Results: Obesity prevalence (21.7%) did not differ by demographic variables. Eight physical activity, nutrition, and sedentary variables had significant relationships to obesity status. Logistic regression analysis revealed three significant predictors of obesity: the number of days the family eats meals together (odds ratio = 0.84, 95% CI 0.73-0.96) and parental home computer use time (odds ratio = 0.83, 95% CI 0.72-0.96) were related to lower levels of obesity, while parental television time (odds ratio = 1.25 95% CI 1.07-1.47) was related to higher levels of obesity. Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity among children is high in Nanchang. Family and environmental risk factors are significantly related to obesity

Correlates of Low-Fat Milk Consumption in a Multi-Ethnic Population

Objective: To assess the correlates of low-fat milk consumption in a multi-ethnic population. Design: Cross-sectional random digit dial telephone survey of adults residing in Hawaii. Setting & Participants: The survey was completed by 600 adults who consumed cow’s milk. Five ethnicities composed over 86% of the sample: Caucasian (36%), Hawaiian (17%), Japanese (18%), Filipino (10%), and Chinese (5%). The average age of participant was 45.6. 84% had completed high school and 35% had completed college. Variables Measured: All variables were self-reported. Type of milk consumed (high-fat vs. low-fat) was the dependent variable. Independent variables included age, gender, ethnicity, body mass, attitude, normative beliefs, and stage of change. Analysis: Chi-squares and logistic regression were used for the analysis (p < .05). Results: Younger and less educated people were less likely to drink low-fat milk, as were Native Hawaiians and Filipinos. In the multivariate analyses only attitudes, normative beliefs, and education were significant predictors. Conclusions and Implications: Attitudes and normative beliefs towards milk consumption explain more of the variance in type of milk consumption than demographic characteristics. This data indicates the feasibility of testing interventions designed to influence attitudes and normative beliefs towards low-fat milk consumption in Asian and Pacific Island communities

Predictors of Modern Contraceptive Use among Married Women in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh

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Improving Access to Physical Activity: Revitalizing the Old Kona Airport Walking/Jogging Path

Environmental approaches to increase access to physical activity facilities are recommended for promoting physical activity. People with easy access to recreational facilities are more likely to achieve the recommended levels of physical activity, and neighborhoods that are walkable and provide access to public parks and jogging trails are associated with higher levels of activity. Friends for Fitness, a grassroots organization in West Hawai‘i spearheaded a community-based planning process and intervention to revitalize the Old Kona Airport into a walking/jogging trail. Through community engagement, support from local media and businesses, and volunteers, Friends for Fitness succeeded in increasing physical activity among residents. After three years, the number of walkers utilizing the trail increased more than 20%