The effect of the financial crisis in Greece on the health habits of young adults

BackgroundPeriods of financial crisis have been strongly associated with changes in the health habits of affected individuals. Previous research suggests that these periods usually affect drinking, smoking, physical activity and eating habits, thus affecting our psychophysical health as well.AimTo investigate the effect of the financial crisis in Greece on the health habits of young adults.MethodTwo hundred and seven Greek young adults participated in the study, 75 (36.2%) males and 132 (63.8%) females, with a mean age of 29. Analysis of data was conducted with Anova, Ancova, regression and correlation analyses, using the SPSS software.ResultsThe findings showed a significant effect of the financial crisis on drinking patterns (F(1.173) = 4.488, P = 0.036). Individuals whose income was reduced consumed less alcohol (M = 11.646, SD = 1.434) compared to individuals who had not experienced such a reduction (M = 17.957, SD = 2.611). There was a significant effect of annual income on BMI (F(4.10) = 3.74, P = 00.01, ηp2 = 0.96), after controlling for the effect of exercise intensity (F(1.10) = 4.58, P = 0.034, ηp2 = 0.31). However, the financial crisis did not significantly affect exercise, smoking behaviour or eating habits (P > 0.05). Significant correlations between tobacco use and drinking were found (r(206) = 0.22, P < 0.001). A significant correlation was also found between exercise and the consumption of fruits and vegetables (r(174) = 0.26, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe financial crisis reduced alcohol consumption whilst it did not affect physical activity, smoking or eating habits. These findings allow us to propose that, despite the bleak reality of a period of financial crisis, such periods could actually lead to the reduction of unhealthy behaviours.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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The relationship between body weight, fiber and fluid intake status and functional constipation in young adults

Nutrition & Food Science ◽

10.1108/nfs-03-2018-0083 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 49 (1) ◽

pp. 129-140 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Efsun Karabudak ◽

Eda Koksal ◽

Melahat Sedanur Macit

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Young Adults ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Fluid Intake ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Functional Constipation ◽

Content Type ◽

The Relationship

Purpose The present study aims to determine the relationship between functional constipation and lifestyle patterns, eating habits and nutritional status in young adults. Design/methodology/approach This study was conducted in 825 young adults between the age of 20 and 24 years in Ankara. Constipation was evaluated via self-reports and ROMA III criteria. Food and beverage consumption frequency and fluid intake were surveyed, and anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were evaluated. Physical activity was assessed using the brief physical activity assessment tool. Findings Participants reported themselves as constipated, not constipated and sometimes constipated in 7.8, 39.6 and 53.6 per cent of cases, respectively. These rates differed from those obtained using the ROMA III criteria: constipated 51.3 per cent and not constipated 48.7 per cent. Constipation rates were higher in females (54.4 per cent) than males (44.8 per cent) (p < 0.05). No association was found between daily water, total fluid and fiber intake and constipation (p > 0.05). However, water from foods have lowering effects on constipation (p < 0.05). Increased physical activity seems to have no effect on constipation. According to food frequency records, participants who consumed more whole grains, rice/pasta and vegetables had lower rates of constipation. Conversely, higher consumption of tea was associated with higher constipation rates (p < 0.05). Originality/value Young adults should be encouraged to consume foods rich in water such as fruits and vegetables against constipation, fiber-rich foods and fluids to meet the recommendations for healthy eating. Only a few studies have assessed the relationships between lifestyle, fluid and nutritional status and body mass index.

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Physical activity, eating habits and tobacco and alcohol use in students of a Catalan university

Revista de la Facultad de Medicina ◽

10.15446/revfacmed.v66n4.61896 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 66 (4) ◽

pp. 537-541 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Vicenç Hernández-González ◽

Rosa Arnau-Salvador ◽

Carme Jové-Deltell ◽

Carme Mayolas-Pi ◽

Joaquín Reverter-Masia

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Male Students ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Health Habits ◽

Healthy Habits ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Global Physical Activity Questionnaire ◽

The University

Introduction: University populations are considered as vulnerable groups when it comes to acquiring health habits.Objective: The aim of this study is to know the levels of physical activity and health habits of the students of the University of Lleida.Methods: Healthy habits and the practice of physical activity in university students were evaluated through the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ).Results: 600 students from the University of Lleida participated during the period 2014-2015. 30.7% of them smoked, while 96.7% reported alcohol consupmtion, and 75.5% practiced physical activity. More than 62% of male students practiced physical activity between 3 and 7 days a week compared to 33.5% of women (p=0.000). More than 30% of the students ingested fruit every day and 65% did so at least 4 days a week. 19.4% of women and 7.9% of men consumed fruit daily, finding significant differences (p=0.001).Conclusions: 30% of the participant did not meet the minimum recommendations of physical activity. A high percentage of participants have a low fruits and vegetables consumption and a high prevalence of risk of alcohol consumption. An educational intervention by universities is suggested to encourage the practice of healthy habits in students.

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Conocimientos de los escolares españoles sobre hábitos de salud (Spanish school children’s knowledge of health habits)

Cultura_Ciencia_Deporte ◽

10.12800/ccd.v16i48.1675 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (48) ◽

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Conceptual Knowledge ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Health Habits ◽

Calidad De Vida ◽

Healthy Habits ◽

Questionnaire Method ◽

Educación Primaria

El propósito de esta investigación fue analizar el conocimiento conceptual sobre hábitos saludables mediante la aplicación de un cuestionario. Participaron en la investigación 1163 alumnos (610 chicos y 553 chicas) de Educación Primaria. El cuestionario constó de 57 preguntas agrupadas en ocho bloques. Los resultados indican que el alumnado posee un nivel de conocimientos sobre hábitos saludables por encima del aprobado, destacando en las dimensiones “Higiene corporal” (M 87.22 DS 17.41) y “Hábitos alimenticios” (M 81.60 DS 10.30). Sin embargo, las dimensiones con menor puntuación son “Condición Física” (M 34.24 DS 23.02) y “Prevención de accidentes y conocimiento de primeros auxilios” (M 38.72 DS 24.18), por lo que sería conveniente incluir más programas para su mejora. Además, se constatan diferencias altamente significativas (p<0.01) a partir de tres horas dedicadas a la actividad física. Se establece una relación positiva entre la práctica de la actividad física y el conocimiento de los hábitos de salud para la mejora de la calidad de vida en los estudiantes. === The objective of this investigation was to analyze the conceptual knowledge with regards to healthy habits using a questionnaire method. 1163 pupils participated in the investigation (610 boys and 553 girls) from Primary Education. The questionnaire included 57 questions, which were grouped into eight blocks. The results indicate that pupils have a higher than average knowledge of health habits, particularly in the areas of “Personal hygiene” (M 87.22 SD 17.41) and “Eating habits” (M 81.60 SD 10.30). However, the areas with the lowest scores are “Physical condition” (M 34.24 SD 23.02) and “Accident prevention and first aid knowledge” (M 38.72 SD 24.18), so it would be necessary to include more programs to improve such areas. Furthermore, highly significant differences (p<0.01) can be found from three hours dedicated to physical activity. A positive relationship is established between physical activity and knowledge of health habits to improve the quality of life of school children.

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Lifestyle and eating habits before and during COVID-19 quarantine in Brazil

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s136898002100255x ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-29

Author(s):

Tamires Cássia de Melo Souza ◽

Lívya Alves Oliveira ◽

Marina Martins Daniel ◽

Lívia Garcia Ferreira ◽

Ceres Mattos Della Lucia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Screen Time ◽

Fast Food ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Distance Measures ◽

Alcoholic Beverages ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Drinking Frequency

Abstract Objective: To assess changes in daily habits, food choices, and lifestyle of adult Brazilians before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: This observational study was carried out with Brazilian adults through an online questionnaire five months after the social distance measures implementation. The McNemar, McNemar-Bowker, and Wilcoxon tests were used to investigate differences before and during the COVID pandemic period, adopting the statistical significance of p <0.05. Setting: Brazil. Participants: 1,368 volunteers aged 18+ years. Results: The volunteers reported a lower frequency of breakfast, morning, and lunch snacks (p<0.05) and a higher frequency of evening snacks and other meal categories during the pandemic period (p<0.05). The results showed an increase in the consumption of bakery products, instant meals and fast-food, while the consumption of vegetables and fruits decreased (p<0.005). There was a significant increase in the frequency of consumption of alcoholic beverages (p<0.001), but a reduction in the dose (p<0.001); increased frequency of smoking (p=0.007); an increase in sleep and screen time in hours, and decrease in physical activity (p<0.001). Conclusions: It was possible to observe an increase in screen time, hours of sleep, smoking, and drinking frequency. On the other hand, there was a reduction in the dose of alcoholic beverages but also in the practice of physical activity. Eating habits also changed, reducing the performance of daytime meals and increasing the performance of nighttime meals. The frequency of consumption of instant meals and fast-food has increased, while consumption of fruits and vegetables has decreased.

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NUTRITION AS A BONES HEALTH FACTOR WITH SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE

Journal of IMAB - Annual Proceeding (Scientific Papers) ◽

10.5272/jimab.2020264.3426 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 3426-3431

Author(s):

Rositsa Chamova ◽

◽

Maria Panteleeva ◽

Eliyana Ivanova ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Bone Density ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Bone Health ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Food Groups ◽

Daily Consumption ◽

Cross Sectional

Osteoporosis is a global health problem with increasing importance. It is a chronic, debilitating disease characterized by low bone density and deterioration of the micro architectonics of bone tissue. Although genetic factors largely determine the bone size and density, factors such as healthy eating, good physical activity and avoiding alcohol and smoking also play a key role. At all ages, healthy eating is an important factor in bone health. Aim: To study the eating habits that are important for bone health in women from Varna. Methods: A cross-sectional study of the eating habits of 139 women in Varna was conducted between January 2018 and March 2019. Questions, giving information on diet, frequency of consumption of certain food groups and beverages, affecting bone density, physical activity, demographic indicators are included in the questionnaire. Descriptive analysis of the data is done with SPSS version 19. Results: The average age of the participants was 29.86 ± 13.60 years. Daily consumption of milk and dairy products was found among 36.7% and 32.4% of the respondents respectively. The relative share of respondents who consume fish 1-2 times a week is 33.1%. The daily consumption of fruits and vegetables is 47.5% and 56.8% respectively. Conclusion: Nutrition plays an important role in reducing the risk of osteoporosis by affecting the development and maintenance of bone mass.

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Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Daily Eating Habits and Physical Activity on Anthropometric Parameters in Elementary School Children in Latvia: Pach Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12123818 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (12) ◽

pp. 3818

Author(s):

Ilze Justamente ◽

Jelena Raudeniece ◽

Liga Ozolina-Moll ◽

Amelia Guadalupe-Grau ◽

Dace Reihmane

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Elementary School Children ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Food Choices ◽

Obese Children ◽

Anthropometric Parameters ◽

Anthropometric Measures ◽

New Challenges ◽

Protein Rich

Growing incidence of obesity and related diseases in children poses new challenges and calls for a review of lifestyle habits. This study aimed to assess daily eating habits (EH) and physical activity (PA) levels and identify their association with obesity in 8–10-year-old children. Children’s EH and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical intensity (MVPA) was estimated from questionnaires (N = 1788). Weight, height, and waist circumference (WC) were collected, and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Girls consumed more fruits and vegetables, drank more water, and ate smaller portions of carbohydrate and protein rich foods but spent less time in MVPA compared to boys (p < 0.05). Obese children skipped breakfast more often and consumed less fruits and vegetables. Children who chose to eat in front of the screen had higher WC (62.88 ± 8.70 vs 60.59 ± 7.40 cm, p < 0.001) and higher BMI, and chose smaller vegetable portions and more calorie dense snacks (p < 0.001). 15.4% of pupils covered weekly MVPA recommendations with structured PA on weekdays. Increasing MVPA was related to a smaller number of unhealthy EH (p < 0.001). In conclusion, EH and PA levels differ between sexes and obese children have unhealthier EH. Higher levels of MVPA are related to healthier food choices, while pupils having meals in front of the screen have unhealthier EH and anthropometric measures. The majority of pupils did not reach the WHO recommendations of MVPA through structured PA on weekdays. Association between factors (EH and time spent in PA) and BMI was not found in this study.

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Weight status, physical activity and eating habits of young adults in Midwest Brazil

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980019000995 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 (14) ◽

pp. 2609-2616 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Luciana Zaranza Monteiro ◽

Andrea Ramirez Varela ◽

Bruno Alves de Lira ◽

Leonardo Chagas Contiero ◽

Maria de Lourdes Alves Carneiro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Young Adults ◽

University Students ◽

Weight Status ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Positive Association ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Community Based Interventions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Undergraduate University Students

AbstractObjective:To assess weight status and eating habits of undergraduate university students in relation to gender and examine the relationships between weight status, physical activity and eating habits.Design:Cross-sectional study conducted between October 2016 and May 2017.Setting:Young adults in Midwest Brazil.Participants:Undergraduate university students (n 2163) majoring in health care.Results:Among 2163 students, 69·3 % were female, 65·4 % were aged 20–29 years, 66·8% consumed alcohol and 44·2% did not achieve more than 150 min of physical activity per week. We found significant differences in the consumption of beans (P < 0·04) and full-fat milk (P < 0·01) between women and men. Women also had more sedentary lifestyles (P < 0·01) and showed higher prevalence of overweight (33·8 %) and obesity (5·0 %) than men. Students who did not engage in physical activity were more overweight (P = 0·03), consumed more soft drinks (P < 0·01) and meat with excess fat (P = 0·01). There was a positive association between weight status and fruit (P = 0·02), salad (P < 0·01), greens/vegetables (P < 0·01) and beans (P < 0·01) intake.Conclusions:The low level of physical activity and unhealthy eating patterns reported by the study participants were inconsistent with the national recommendations for a healthy active lifestyle for adults and may contribute to the increasing rate of overweight and obesity in this population. A joint effort between universities and all relevant government agencies is needed to develop and promote school- and community-based interventions.

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Salivary Telomere Length in Obese and Nonobese Young Adults of South Indian urban city: cross-sectional study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.29785 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Dr.Shobhit Piplani ◽

Dr. Tejas Shah ◽

Mr. Vijay Kumbar ◽

Dr Manjunath Somannavar

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Young Adults ◽

Telomere Length ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Single Copy ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Female Population ◽

Urban City ◽

South Indian

BACKGROUND Obesity is defined as a condition of possessing excessive body fat, which reduces life expectancy and accelerates ageing. According to WHO (2014), it was estimated that more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight out of which 600 million were obese. In India about 3% of male and 12.6% of the female population is obese. Obesity accelerates the rate by which telomeres shortens which is an indicator of cellular ageing. To date, no study has been conducted in India to assess the variation of various anthropometric factors using a questionnaire based on the subject’s physical activity and eating habits, and relating obesity with Telomere Length (TL). No one has done a similar study using saliva as a tool for studying TL. OBJECTIVE To assess the variation of various anthropometric factors using a questionnaire based on the subject’s physical activity and eating habits, and relating obesity with Telomere Length (TL) METHODS Young adults were randomly selected from different colleges of the city and their BMI, Waist to Hip Ratio was calculated. Individuals were then categorized as obese or non-obese based on their BMI and a questionnaire was given to each participant to assess their daily physical activity and eating habits. Saliva was collected from 77 participants and DNA was extracted. Following this, Real-time PCR(RT-PCR) was performed on these samples. Numerical outcomes were summarized as Mean ± Standard deviation and Chi square test was performed for associations. Data analysis of questionnaire was performed (using SPSS) and was correlated to calculated the telomere length. RESULTS After RT-PCR was done, Ct values were obtained for TELO and 36B4 for each sample and the relative telomere length was determined by calculating the relative ratio of telomere (T) and single copy gene (S) PCR products which is expressed as T/S. It was found that 30 males, among whom 18 were obese, shared an inverse relation with TL (p<0.05), whereas in 47 females, no significant results were obtained. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, TL is negatively co-related to obesity. A significant variation of TL and obesity was observed in males (p<0.05) while no significant relationship was established among females. However further study or larger sample size is needed to draw firm conclusions.

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Abstract P316: Very Low Prevalence of Ideal Cardiovascular Health in Young Adults Studying at the Université de Sherbrooke

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.125.suppl_10.ap316 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽

Author(s):

Marie-France Hivert ◽

Myriam Doyon ◽

Geneviève Forget ◽

Guillaume Lacerte ◽

Melissa Labonté ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Young Adults ◽

Total Cholesterol ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Cardiovascular Health ◽

Current Guideline ◽

Ideal Cardiovascular Health ◽

Dietary Component ◽

Low Prevalence

Introduction: In 2010, the American Heart Association (AHA) published a special report to define and set national goals for cardiovascular health promotion and disease reduction (2020 Strategic Impact Goals). Ideal cardiovascular health was defined based on seven metrics including both ideal health behaviors (nonsmoking, body mass index &lt 25 kg/m2, physical activity at goal levels, and pursuit of a diet consistent with current guideline recommendations) and ideal health factors (untreated total cholesterol &lt 200 mg/dL [5.2 mmol/L], untreated blood pressure &lt 120/ &lt 80 mm Hg, and fasting blood glucose 8h of overnight fasting, using standardized procedures. Resting blood pressure was measured in the sitting position (twice, using the average for analyses). Physical activity was assessed by a validated questionnaire. Dietary intake was assessed by 3-day food diary; the average per day or the estimations per week were used accordingly to the specific dietary component recommendation. Results: The cohort was composed of young adults (20.6 ± 2.9 years old), mainly of European origin (97.8%), and 74.6% were female. Overall, only one participant (0.4%) achieved ideal cardiovascular health (all seven ideal health metrics). Very few participants (2.2%) achieved ideal healthy diet score (4-5 components /5). Investigating individual dietary component, our results showed that 9.4% consumed ≥ 4.5 cups/day of fruits and vegetables, 25.7% had ≥ two servings/week of fish, 14.5% reported ≥ three servings/day of fiber-rich whole grains, 8.0% consumed &lt 1500g/day of sodium, and 75.4% reported drinking &lt 36oz / week of sugar-sweetened beverages. Concerning the other health metrics, 22.8% achieved the recommended level of physical activity, 93.8% were non-smokers, 75.7% had a BMI &lt 25kg/m2, 42.4% had a blood pressure in the ideal range ( &lt 120/ &lt 80 mmHg), 99.6% had a normal fasting glucose ( &lt 5.6 mmol/L), and 42.4% had a total cholesterol &lt 5.2 mmol/L. Conclusions: The prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health is very low, even in a population of young adults interested in healthy lifestyle. The low prevalence is mainly dependent on the healthy dietary score where the biggest challenges seem to be consumption of fruits and vegetables, and limiting sodium intake. Public health actions are seriously needed to improve these health metrics.

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Assessment of Eating Habits and Perceived Benefits of Physical Activity and Body Attractiveness among Adolescents from Northeastern Romania

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app112211042 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (22) ◽

pp. 11042

Author(s):

Dana-Teodora Anton-Păduraru ◽

Ioan Gotcă ◽

Veronica Mocanu ◽

Veronica Popescu ◽

Maria-Liliana Iliescu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Perceived Benefits ◽

Body Attractiveness ◽

Healthy Eating Habits ◽

Alcoholic Drinks ◽

The Right

The purpose of this paper was to present the results of the evaluation of 1320 adolescents from 4 high schools in Iaşi, Romania regarding their eating habits and perceived benefits of physical activity and body attractiveness after they completed an anonymous questionnaire. The data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 18. The analysis of the nutritional status showed that over 70% of adolescents were of a normal weight. Most of them (63.56%) consumed 3–4 meals/day, with breakfast being the most skipped meal (60.53%). Compared with the boys, the girls consumed fewer whole grains, dairy products, and meat, but the girls consumed fruits and vegetables in approximately the same percentage. The adolescents studied consumed more fruits than vegetables, but the servings of fruits and vegetables consumed were not sufficient in the diets of many adolescents (39.31%). Among the adolescents, 5.68% consumed at least 2 alcoholic drinks daily, and 37.87% consumed caffeine products one or more times per week. Among the boys, 95.20% practiced regular physical activity, and 97.20% of the girls considered that the right nutrition plays a role in the prevention of obesity. The study of the self-perception profile showed that 89.8% of boys and 79.5% of girls considered that they had attractive bodies. According to the BMI, 86.7% of normal-weight adolescents and 84.8% of underweight adolescents considered themselves as having attractive bodies, while this was only considered by 73.5% of overweight and 56.7% of obese adolescents. It is necessary to introduce nutritional education in schools for the improvement of eating habits in children and adolescents. More studies are needed to appreciate the social behaviors (e.g., food intake, physical activity, and recreation time) and then develop interventions and national health programs to promote a healthy lifestyle, particularly healthy eating habits.

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