engleski

Implementation of the SEFAC project in four European cities

Introduction and objectives. Europe is facing an unstoppable epidemic of chronic non- communicable diseases. That burden represents a particular challenge for the national healthcare systems, regional governments, local stakeholders and policy makers. Lifestyle changes can reduce the incidence of chronic diseases so the SEFAC project introduces a novel approach to such changes in the community with engagement of social network of health and social care professionals as well as volunteers. The main objective of the SEFAC project (GA no. 738202) is encouragement of citizens in prevention and self – management of chronic non – communicable diseases. Participants and Methods. A total of 360 participants who are 50 years and older and are at risk of developing major chronic diseases or have a cardiovascular disease and/or type II diabetes mellitus attended the seven week workshop program in four European pilot sites: Cornwall, UK ; Rijeka, Croatia ; Rotterdam, The Netherlands ; and Treviso, Italy. Mindfulness based workshops aimed at improving health, promoting healthy habits and healthy lifestyle. By integrating mindfulness into the workshops, participants had the opportunity to learn new skills for improvement of self – efficacy, self – esteem and improve their ability to self – manage their health. The SEFAC program was supported by SEFAC App that was developed to improve the outcome of the workshops. Results. Diversity of the SEFAC project in implementation in four European cities will be shown as well as similarities. Involvement of volunteers and social/ health professionals by community alliances is shown to be valuable for the sustainability and visibility of the project. Conclusions. Community based approach as it is presented in the SEFAC project, is a challenge for every community, but taking into account all the cultural and traditional values, it is possible to implement SEFAC in every part of EU.

chronic diseases, lifestyle, management, novel approach

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