No abstract

No abstract

Study objective-The focus of physical activity promotion is moving from methods for increasing health enhancing physical activity on the individual level to higher level strategies including environmental and policy approaches. Scientific inquiry, traditionally related to individual-based strategies, requires adaptation and refinement when environmental and policy changes become more relevant. The objective of this study is to investigate the significance for behaviour and health of community-based environments that encourage physical activity. Design and setting-The article presents data and results from a cross sectional comparative survey of the general population in six European countries (Belgium, Finland, Germany (East and West), Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland). Specifically, the relation between perceived community-based opportunities for physical activity, self reported physical activity, and self rated health status is investigated. Towards a paradigm shift in physical activity research The benefits of physical activity for public health are widely accepted by both experts and lay people. There are few other issues where policymakers, scientists, and the population are so congruent in their belief that "it's good for your health". Specifically, physical activity can be related to health promotion, disease prevention, and rehabilitation. It has a positive impact on traditional public health indicators such as mortality and morbidity as well as on psychosocial well being and quality of life. Participants-Representative

Tailored interventions based on behavioral psychology principles led to more sustainable increases in compliance with hand hygiene guidelines than ASH training sessions did. This was true among nurses, and thus also for hospital ward personnel as a whole (i.e., nurses and physicians combined). Further studies are needed to identify more target group-specific interventions that may improve compliance among physicians.

No abstract