Papers by George Koulierakis

Journal of prevention, Jun 15, 2024
Stair use is a physical activity that can be incorporated into the daily lifestyle of a majority ... more Stair use is a physical activity that can be incorporated into the daily lifestyle of a majority of the population, resulting in several health benefits. Nudges are increasingly used in public health interventions to encourage healthy behaviours such as physical activity in a cost-effective manner. This scoping review aimed to investigate the effect and the characteristics of nudges used on interventions to promote stair use. We reviewed the relevant literature published in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Mendeley and Google Scholar, from January 2009 to May 2022. Eligibility criteria included original studies of any type of design, written in English, targeting healthy adults, reporting nudging interventions, using elevator or escalator as comparators and defining a baseline for comparisons. Initially, 118 publications were identified, and after applying exclusion criteria, 27 articles were included in the analysis. Results showed that most of the nudging interventions had significant positive effect on stair use in several settings. The evidence from this review suggests that incorporating nudges into public health interventions can effectively promote physical activity through increased stair usage. Emphasizing prevention measures in public health interventions may contribute to better health outcomes.
European journal of cancer care, Feb 28, 2024
Psycho-Oncology, Nov 13, 2023

Research Square (Research Square), Mar 4, 2024
Stair use is a physical activity that can be incorporated into the daily lifestyle of a majority ... more Stair use is a physical activity that can be incorporated into the daily lifestyle of a majority of the population, resulting in several health bene ts. Nudges are increasingly used in public health interventions to encourage healthy behaviours such as physical activity in a cost-effective manner. This scoping review aimed to investigate the effect and the characteristics of nudges used on interventions to promote stair use. We reviewed the relevant literature published in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Mendeley & Google Scholar, from January 2009 to May 2022. Eligibility criteria included original studies of any type of design, written in English, targeting healthy adults, reporting nudging interventions, using elevator or escalator as comparators and de ning a baseline for comparisons. Initially, 118 publications were identi ed, and after applying exclusion criteria, 27 articles were included in the analysis. Results showed that most of the nudging interventions had signi cant positive effect on stair use in several settings. The evidence from this review suggests that incorporating nudges into public health interventions can effectively promote physical activity through increased stair usage. Emphasizing prevention measures in public health interventions may contribute to better health outcomes.

Patient Preference and Adherence, 2010
Although hypertension constitutes a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality,... more Although hypertension constitutes a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, research on adherence to antihypertensive treatment has shown that at least 75% of patients are not adherent because of the combined demographic, organizational, psychological, and disease-and medication-related factors. This study aimed to elicit hypertensive patients' beliefs on hypertension and antihypertensive treatment, and their role to adherence. Methods: Transcripts from semistructured interviews and focus groups were content analyzed to extract participants' beliefs about hypertension and antihypertensive treatment, and attitudes toward patient-physician and patient-pharmacist relationships. Results: Hypertension was considered a very serious disease, responsible for stroke and myocardial infarction. Participants expressed concerns regarding the use of medicines and the adverse drug reactions. Previous experience with hypertension, fear of complications, systematic disease management, acceptance of hypertension as a chronic disease, incorporation of the role of the patient and a more personal relationship with the doctor facilitated adherence to the treatment. On the other hand, some patients discontinued treatment when they believed that they had controlled their blood pressure. Conclusion: Cognitive and communication factors affect medication adherence. Results could be used to develop intervention techniques to improve medication adherence.
The European health psychologist, 2016
Value in Health, Nov 1, 2019
Ψυχολογία. Το περιοδικό της Ελληνικής Ψυχολογικής Εταιρείας, Jul 3, 2023
Education 3-13, Jun 28, 2018
Burnout and quality of life (QoL) were assessed among 415 preschool and kindergarten teaching and... more Burnout and quality of life (QoL) were assessed among 415 preschool and kindergarten teaching and assisting staff pertaining to Athens Municipal Nursery. MBI-ES and WHOQOL-BREF were used to collect data. Results revealed average to high levels of burnout; the emotional exhaustion was the salient dimension. QoL was satisfactory to high, except the 'Environment' section that was rated as moderate. Higher burnout was identified amongst those with permanent and open-ended work contracts, widows, the eldest, the more experienced and educated and those suffering from health problems. Lower QoL was associated with higher burnout. Data could guide multilevel policies for preventing burnout and improving QoL.
Journal of behavioral and experimental economics, Aug 1, 2023

Addiction research & theory, 2006
ABSTRACT The prevalence of drug use, the related precautions prior to, during incarceration and a... more ABSTRACT The prevalence of drug use, the related precautions prior to, during incarceration and after release, and their social cognitive predictors were examined in a sample of Greek prison inmates (IDUs). Results showed that inside prison, IDUs tended to inject less, but share more. Use of new syringes was the precaution of preference prior to incarceration and intended to be also after release. During imprisonment, most IDUs reported use of sterilised works and reduction in sharing as precautions. Behavioural Intention (BI) × Perceived Behavioural Control (PBC), Health Value (HV) × Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) interactions and susceptibility to AIDS were the most significant predictors of IDUs’ reported injection inside. BI × PBC and past behaviour predicted the reported cessation of sharing inside. Susceptibility, HV, Internal Health Locus of Control (IHLC), total time in prison and past behaviour were the most significant predictors of inmates’ reported intention to use new syringes when released. Results are discussed, in relation to theoretical requirements, similar patterns of drug-use behaviour inside prison, identified in previous Greek and international research and on implications on health policy for Greek inmates (injectors).
International Journal of Electronic Healthcare, 2012
The continuously and rapidly changing landscape in the fields of communications, Internet and soc... more The continuously and rapidly changing landscape in the fields of communications, Internet and social media make it imperative for professionals to better understand the role of Information and Communication Technologies

Ellīniko Periodiko tīs Nosīleutikīs Epistīmīs, Dec 31, 2019
Introduction: In Greece, the implementation of the Fiscal Adjustment Programs was combined with p... more Introduction: In Greece, the implementation of the Fiscal Adjustment Programs was combined with policies of economic austerity resulting in high levels of unemployment and exclusion from health insurance for a large proportion of the population. Aim: This study explores the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and the health status of the uninsured citizens in one of the biggest Municipalities in Attica region. The study covers the period 2012-2016, during the economic crisis in Greece. Methods: Data stemming from official documents, from individual files of 1,738 uninsured citizens were processed. Possible associations between population characteristics and chronic disease categories were examined, using the chi-square test and univariable/multivariable analysis for chronic disease as an outcome. Results: Almost forty-two percent (41.7%) of the study population suffered from a chronic disease; with the 48% of those patients having zero real annual income and 60.4% being hosted by a relative or an acquaintance. Of the sample diagnosed with a mental illness 71% lived as guests to friends or relatives. Diagnosis with cancer appeared to be more related to zero income, compared to other chronic disease categories (72.7%, p <0.001). In the multivariable model, male gender (OR=1.70 95% CI: 1.35-2.13), age (OR=1.03 95% CI: 1.02-1.04) and guest status (OR=1.57 95% CI: 1.24-2.00) were associated with a chronic disease. Conclusions: In Greece, in the midst of the economic crisis, uninsured citizens with chronic illness are called upon to manage their health problem with zero income and housing problems. A key strategy to address such a prospect of further health degradation of the particular population group can only be the strengthening and reorganization of the provision of social protection and health services around a primary care model developed and functioning at community level, with as its basic principle, universal and equal access to it, for all citizens.

International journal of adolescent medicine and health, Oct 20, 2018
Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for 99.7% of cervix cancers worldwide. ... more Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for 99.7% of cervix cancers worldwide. As this is a preventable and treatable cancer, if diagnosed early, it is important to explore not only young women's related knowledge, but also their intentions for prevention activities, through a theoretical perspective. Objective: To investigate the role of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Health Locus of Control theory (HLC) (social cognitive models) to act as potentially influencing factors for the prevention intentions among lyceum female students. Methods: This cross-sectional study took place from January to May 2014, among 1129 female students, who attended lyceums in six islands of the Cyclades Region, Greece. Students filled-in a self-complementary questionnaire, after the necessary approval was provided by the relevant authorities. Results: Intention to take the Pap smear was determined by student's level of knowledge (p < 0.001) about Pap smears, their age (p = 0.004), HPV susceptibility (p < 0.001), subjective obstacles of taking the Pap smear (p < 0.001) and subjective benefits of the Pap smear (p < 0.001). The vaccination intention against HPV was influenced by the subjective benefit from vaccination (p < 0.001) and the level of knowledge of the vaccine (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Knowledge, age and HBM variables were significantly associated with students' intention for vaccination and screening on HPV. The study demonstrates the importance of raising awareness through specific education programmes in schools and theory-based tailored health programmes on HPV aspects (transmission, prevention, treatment) to increase the intention for prevention.

Social sciences & humanities open, 2023
The current study aims to investigate aspects of homophobic school-based violence from a teachers... more The current study aims to investigate aspects of homophobic school-based violence from a teachers’ perspective. A sample of 453 secondary education teachers across Greece participated and reported their intention for reactions against four hypothetical scenarios of homophobic violence (psychological, verbal, cyberbullying, physical). When expressing high intention to intervene, teachers were more likely to inform other school staff. The majority of the respondents (86.1%) had not received training on homophobic violence during their university studies, while those who had received such postgraduate training manifested stronger intention to act. Female and middle school teachers reported a stronger intention to act compared to male and high school teachers, respectively. Only 11% of the participants stated that their school had an action plan against homophobic violence. These results call for the development of school personnel training on homophobic violence and for the implementation of LGBTQIA + inclusive anti-harassment policies.
www.hsj.gr, Jul 14, 2014
1. Associated Professor, TEI of Athens, Nursing Department A' 2. Nurse Msc, in KAPPI 3. Pr... more 1. Associated Professor, TEI of Athens, Nursing Department A' 2. Nurse Msc, in KAPPI 3. Professor of National School of Health Hygiene 4. Assistant Professor TEI of Athens, Nursing Department A' 5. Nurse Msc, ICU in Henry Dynant, Athens 6. MD., in Attikon Hospital, Athens

Journal of Child Health Care, Dec 25, 2017
Hospitalization of a child is a stressful experience, increasing parents' anxiety and deteriorati... more Hospitalization of a child is a stressful experience, increasing parents' anxiety and deteriorating their satisfaction with the health-care services. This study aimed to assess the level of stress that parents of hospitalized children experienced and evaluate the association of parent's stress and satisfaction and identify its predictors. Three hundred and fifty-two parents whose children were hospitalized in two pediatric hospitals were enrolled in the study, from February 2015 to April 2015. The Perceived Stress Scale was used to estimate parental stress and the Pyramid Questionnaire was used for assessing parents' overall satisfaction with care. Parents expressed mild to moderate overall levels of stress. Less-stressed parents felt more satisfied. Being single (p < .001), having lower educational level (p ¼ .005), one's child been hospitalized for more than 14 days (p ¼ .001), and one's have visited the hospital many times in the past (p ¼ .014) were the predictors of experiencing high levels of stress. During pediatric hospitalization, parental needs (communication, interpersonal health care, continuous information, involvement in child's care) should be considered, so as stress levels to be decreased and parents get more satisfied by the quality of health care provided.

DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Mar 1, 2017
ΕΡΕΥΝΗΤΙΚΗ ΕΡΓΑΣΙΑ ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗ Εισαγωγή: Η αποτύπωση του βαθµού ικανοποίησης των γονέων είναι µείζον... more ΕΡΕΥΝΗΤΙΚΗ ΕΡΓΑΣΙΑ ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗ Εισαγωγή: Η αποτύπωση του βαθµού ικανοποίησης των γονέων είναι µείζονος σηµασίας για τα παιδιατρικά νοσοκοµεία, καθώς αποτελεί τη βασική συνιστώσα της αξιολόγησης της ποιότητας των παρεχόµενων υπηρεσιών στις υπηρεσίες υγείας. Σκοπός: Η εκτίµηση του βαθµού ικανοποίησης των γονέων από την παρεχόµενη φροντίδα στα νοσηλευόµενα παιδιά τους. Μεθοδολογία: Πρόκειται για µια περιγραφική µελέτη που πραγµατοποιήθηκε σε δείγµα ευκολίας γονέων που τα παιδιά τους νοσηλεύονταν σε δύο δηµόσια παιδιατρικά νοσοκοµεία της Αττικής. Η συλλογή των δεδοµένων ολοκληρώθηκε σε χρονικό διάστηµα 3 µηνών. Συλλέχθηκαν 352 ερωτηµατολόγια (ποσοστό ανταπόκρισης 88%). Οι συµµετέχοντες συµπλήρωσαν το ερωτηµατολόγιο Pyramid Questionnaire for parents of hospitalized children, που εκτιµάει το βαθµό ικανοποίησης των γονέων από την παρεχόµενη φροντίδα στο νοσηλευόµενο παιδί τους. Αποτελέσµατα: Περισσότεροι γονείς ήταν ικανοποιηµένοι από τη συµπεριφορά του ιατρονοσηλευτικού προσωπικού (81,9%), την παρεχόµενη ιατρονοσηλευτική φροντίδα (78,2%) και την πληροφόρηση των γονέων για τη νόσο του νοσηλευόµενου παιδιού (71,9%). Αντίθετα, λιγότεροι γονείς ήταν ικανοποιηµένοι από τη δυνατότητα συµµετοχής τους στη φροντίδα του νοσηλευόµενου παιδιού τους (52,3%) και την προσβασιµότητα στο νοσοκοµείο (39,5%). Η συνολική ικανοποίηση των γονέων κυµάνθηκε σε πολύ καλά επίπεδα (76,8%) και ήταν σηµαντικά υψηλότερη στο νοσοκοµείο Α (78,8%), στους έγγαµους γονείς (77,4%) και στους γονείς που δεν ανησυχούσαν καθόλου ή ανησυχούσαν ελάχιστα για την ασθένεια του παιδιού τους (83,1%). Το υπόδειγµα πολυπαραγοντικής γραµµικής παλινδρόµησης που χρησιµοποιήθηκε έδειξε ότι η νοσηλεία στο νοσοκοµείο Β και η ανησυχία σε µεγάλο βαθµό για την ασθένεια του παιδιού και τις επιπλοκές της οδηγούν στη µείωση της συνολικής ικανοποίησης κατά 24% και 17% αντίστοιχα. Συµπεράσµατα: Η εκτίµηση του βαθµού ικανοποίησης των γονέων αποτελεί τον πιο σηµαντικό δείκτη της εύρυθµης λειτουργίας των νοσοκοµείων. Από την παρούσα µελέτη φάνηκε πως ορισµένοι τοµείς, όπως η συµµετοχή των γονέων στη φροντίδα του παιδιού τους, η πληροφόρηση, η προσβασιµότητα, η επικοινωνία και η διαπροσωπική φροντίδα υγείας χρήζουν βελτίωσης, προκειµένου να υπάρχει µεγαλύτερη ικανοποίηση.
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Papers by George Koulierakis