Report on a Health Intervention Study and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A research initiative was undertaken to validate a lifestyle assessment tool and evaluate a physical exercise program for individuals with type 2 diabetes. The study’s objectives and outcomes directly support several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). The research successfully validated the Portuguese version of the FANTASTIC questionnaire and demonstrated that a structured, nine-month exercise program significantly improved the well-being and lifestyle habits of participants. These findings provide a valuable framework for community-based health interventions aimed at combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and promoting healthy aging.

Contribution to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The study makes a significant contribution to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The research directly addresses Target 3.4, focused on reducing premature mortality from NCDs through prevention and treatment and promoting mental health.

• Combating Non-Communicable Diseases: The intervention was specifically designed for an aging population with type 2 diabetes, a prevalent NCD. The program’s success highlights a practical strategy for managing the condition and improving quality of life.
• Promoting Mental and Physical Well-being: The results showed a significant increase in positive affect and life satisfaction, coupled with a decrease in negative affect. This underscores the program’s holistic impact on both mental and physical health.
• Enhancing Healthy Lifestyles: Participants demonstrated marked improvements in key lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity, nutrition, sleep quality, and stress management, which are fundamental pillars of long-term health.

Methodology and Key Findings

The research was conducted in two main phases, each with distinct objectives and outcomes that reinforce the promotion of sustainable health practices.

1. Validation of a Health Assessment Tool: The first objective was to validate the Portuguese version of the FANTASTIC questionnaire using a sample of 562 subjects. The study confirmed a reliable factorial solution with 27 items across nine factors. This provides a validated instrument for assessing and educating individuals on healthy lifestyle behaviors, supporting evidence-based health promotion (aligning with SDG 4).
2. Evaluation of a Physical Exercise Intervention: The second objective was a quasi-experimental study to test the effectiveness of a targeted exercise program.
   • Participants: 32 individuals (aged 58-79) with type 2 diabetes.
   • Intervention: A nine-month program consisting of 90-minute sessions three times per week, combining aerobic, resistance, agility, balance, and flexibility exercises at a moderate intensity.
   • Results: The intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in subjective well-being and multiple lifestyle domains, directly contributing to the health targets of SDG 3.

Broader Implications for Sustainable Development

Beyond its primary impact on SDG 3, the study’s framework and collaborative nature support other global goals.

• SDG 4 (Quality Education): The program serves as a form of health education, empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills for lifelong healthy living and self-management of chronic conditions.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): By focusing on an older population with a chronic disease, the research addresses health disparities and promotes inclusion by developing interventions tailored to the needs of a vulnerable group.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The study exemplifies effective collaboration among diverse entities, including the Polytechnic Institutes of Santarém and Castelo Branco, the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, the Local Health Unit of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, and the National Health Authority (DGS), showcasing a partnership model essential for achieving the SDGs.

Limitations and Recommendations for Future Action

The authors acknowledge certain limitations, including the absence of a control group and the use of a convenience sample, which restricts the generalizability of the findings. It is recommended that future research builds upon this study by employing more rigorous experimental designs. Continued investigation is crucial to consolidate these promising results and develop scalable, evidence-based models that can be integrated into public health strategies to advance the Sustainable Development Goals on a wider scale.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The primary Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) addressed in the article is:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  This goal is central to the article, which focuses on a health intervention for a specific population. The research investigates the effectiveness of a physical exercise program for individuals with type 2 diabetes, a non-communicable disease. It also directly assesses outcomes related to well-being, such as “subjective well-being,” “positive affect,” “negative affect,” and “satisfaction with life.” The study’s aim to improve health outcomes and lifestyle behaviors in an aging population with a chronic condition aligns perfectly with the core mission of SDG 3.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s focus, the following specific target under SDG 3 is relevant:

1. Target 3.4: Reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

   The article directly connects to this target in several ways:

   • Treatment of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): The study tests a “physical exercise program, designed specifically for people with type 2 diabetes.” Type 2 diabetes is a major NCD, and the program represents a non-pharmacological treatment and management strategy.
   • Promotion of Mental Health and Well-being: A key goal of the study was to test the program’s effect on “subjective well-being.” The results explicitly mention that the program “significantly improved the positive affect, satisfaction with life” and “diminished the negative affect,” which are direct measures of mental well-being.
   • Prevention through Lifestyle Changes: The intervention promotes healthy lifestyle behaviors (“physical activity, sleep, stress, and nutrition behaviors”) which are crucial for both managing existing NCDs and preventing further complications.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.4.

• Indicators for Promoting Mental Health and Well-being:

  The study uses specific metrics to assess well-being, which serve as direct indicators. Progress is measured by changes in:

  • Positive affect
  • Negative affect
  • Satisfaction with life

  The article states that the exercise program led to significant improvements in these areas, indicating successful promotion of well-being.

• Indicators for Treatment and Prevention of NCDs:

  The article implies progress can be measured by monitoring lifestyle risk factors and the implementation of health programs. The indicators are:

  • Changes in lifestyle behaviors: The study uses the “FANTASTIC questionnaire” to assess and track improvements in “physical activity, sleep, stress, and nutrition behaviors.” These are key risk factors for NCDs.
  • Implementation of targeted health interventions: The existence and application of the “physical exercise program sessions of 90 minutes each, three times per week” for people with type 2 diabetes is itself an indicator of action being taken to treat and manage NCDs.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: frontiersin.org