The 9P9: Nine Simple Practices to Defeat the Nine Big Killers (A preventing health campaign)

Abstract

The 9P9: Nine Simple Practices to Defeat the Nine Big Killers campaign is a preventive health initiative designed to translate complex scientific evidence on chronic disease prevention into simple daily habits for young adults. In the United States, nine major conditions: heart disease, cancer, accidents, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases, diabetes, kidney disease, mental health disorders, and liver disease, account for approximately 70% of all deaths, despite substantial evidence indicating that much of this burden could be mitigated through lifestyle modifications.

The 9P9 campaign translates this evidence into nine clear and memorable practices: consuming fresh foods daily; avoiding processed and junk foods; engaging in regular physical activity; abstaining from smoking; limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption; maintaining 7–8 hours of sleep each night; prioritizing safety measures such as seat belts, helmets, and fall prevention; fostering social and mental engagement; and monitoring health through maintaining a healthy weight and scheduling annual check-ups. This pilot study will implement 9P9 at the University of Memphis through printed leaflets and a brief baseline survey on students’ knowledge and practices related to the nine leading killers. On-campus campaign event will distribute leaflets and encourage students to display them in personal spaces with a small interview. A follow-up short interview will assess changes in awareness, perceived usefulness, self-reported adoption of 9P9 behaviours, and acceptability of the campaign materials.

Findings will inform refinements to the campaign and guide scale-up via organization level and potential collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Health for broader statewide implementation.