Objective: To analyze the psychological impact of exposure to conflict zones on active-duty soldiers and to evaluate the role of physical activity as a mitigating factor against stress-related effects. Background: Combat exposure is associated with increased psychological stress, sleep disturbances, and reduced well-being among military personnel. Understanding modifiable protective factors like physical activity is crucial for improving resilience and mental health in operational settings. Method: A total of 261 male Colombian Army personnel participated in the study. Standardized psychological scales (STAI, LES, UCLA Loneliness Scale, AAQ-II, PSS-14) and custom questionnaires assessing sleep, happiness, and physical activity were used. Statistical analyses included t-tests and ANOVAs to examine group differences and correlations. Results: Soldiers exposed to traumatic events or prolonged time in red zones reported significantly lower sleep quality and happiness levels. Those engaging in more than 120 minutes of physical activity per day reported significantly lower perceived stress scores compared to less active peers. Conclusion: Exposure to conflict zones adversely affects psychological well-being, particularly in sleep quality and happiness. However, increased physical activity is associated with lower perceived stress, suggesting its protective role. Application: These findings support the integration of structured physical activity programs as a practical and scalable intervention to promote resilience and reduce stress among active- duty military personnel.
Colorectal cancer prevalence is increasing worldwide. Modifiable risk factors are responsible for almost 50 % of cases and this could imply a huge potential of preventability. Among these factors the level of physical activity is of paramount importance. Physical activity has a positive impact on health status in general and it decreases the prevalence of various cancers including colorectal cancer. Physical activity decreases the prevalence of benign colorectal adenomas and it prolongs the disease free interval after surgery in colorectal cancer, thus increasing survival. The mechanisms involved are multiple: decreasing bowel transit time, regulating energy balance, decreasing peripheral insulin resistance, decreasing hyperinsulinism, antiinflamatory effects, increasing vitamin D production.
Background: Self-care behaviors are very important to control type 2 diabetes. The current study was conducted aiming at determining the effect of the educational intervention based on mobile short message service on the self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes in Khorram Abad. Methods: This study was a semi-experimental study on 191 patients with type 2 diabetes (45 cases and 45 control). Data collection tools included a demographic information form, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Self-Care Scale, and Self-Efficacy Scale. Three to four educational messages were sent daily through mobile phones as an educational intervention. Data were analyzed with SPSS V24 at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The data analysis indicated that the average score of self-care, self-efficacy, and blood sugar was significantly higher in the case group than in the control group before and after the intervention (P<0.001). However, in terms of the physical activity variable, this relationship was not statistically significant in the case and control groups. Conclusion: Educational interventions to empower diabetic patients by strengthening their self-care can be an effective way to improve the health of diabetic patients. Therefore, it is suggested to use patient empowerment programs, especially with a self-care approach, to improve the health of patients.
