scholarly journals The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of Irish Men’s Shed members

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aisling McGrath ◽  
Niamh Murphy ◽  
Noel Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Health Promotion Program ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Summary COVID-19 disproportionately affects males especially those who are older and more socio-economically disadvantaged. This study assessed wellbeing outcomes among men’s shed members (Shedders) in Ireland at baseline (T1), 3 (T2), 6 (T3) and 12 months (T4) in response to a 10-week health promotion program ‘Sheds for Life’ (SFL). Two cohorts participated in SFL commencing in March and September 2019. This study compares the T3 findings from one cohort carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic [COVID cohort (n = 185)] with T3 findings from a comparator cohort [pre-COVID cohort (n = 195)], completed pre-COVID-19. Questionnaires assessing wellbeing [life satisfaction, mental health, loneliness, physical activity (PA), self-rated health and other lifestyle measures] were analyzed in both cohorts T1, T2 and T3. Self-rated Health and life satisfaction decreased in the COVID cohort at T3 (p < 0.001), while loneliness scores increased (p < 0.0005). Higher loneliness scores were correlated with lower health ratings, life satisfaction and PA during COVID-19 (p < 0.001). Days PA decreased in the COVID cluster at T3 from T2 (p < 0.01) with those in urban areas reporting lower activity levels than rural areas (p < 0.05). Those sufficiently active at baseline managed to maintain PA during COVID-19 while those not meeting guidelines were more likely to report decreases (p < 0.001). Shedders experiencing COVID-19 restrictions are at an increased risk of poorer wellbeing and increased levels of loneliness. Support and guidance are needed to safely encourage this cohort back into men’s sheds, settings that protect against loneliness and positively promote health and wellbeing. Lay summary The COVID-19 pandemic will have wide-reaching implications on wellbeing, particularly on those who are older and more vulnerable. Evidence also suggests that COVID-19 disproportionately affects males. This study aimed to understand the impact that COVID-19 has had on men in the setting of Men’s Sheds in Ireland. Two cohorts of men who were participating in a 10-week health and wellbeing program (Sheds for Life) at different stages were followed over time. At 6 months follow-up the first Cohort had not experienced COVID-19 whereas the second cohort was actively experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. We measured wellbeing using questionnaires, comparing both groups of men for differences. We found that the men who were experiencing COVID-19 had lower self-rated health, physical activity and life satisfaction as well as higher rates of loneliness, with those who were more lonely reporting lower wellbeing scores. We also found that men in rural areas were more physically active during COVID-19 and that those were not active were more likely to become more inactive during COVID-19. This study suggests that support and guidance is needed to safely encourage this cohort back into Men’s Sheds, settings that protect against loneliness and positively promote health and wellbeing.

scholarly journals Trends of low physical activity among Iranian adolescents across urban and rural areas during 2006–2011

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Parisa Amiri ◽  
Parisa Naseri ◽  
Golnaz Vahedi-Notash ◽  
Sara Jalali-Farahani ◽  
Yadollah Mehrabi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Sample Survey ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Urban Girls ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

AbstractIt is well documented that physical inactivity is related to weight gain and a whole host of chronic diseases. This study investigated trends of low physical activity among Iranian adolescents in urban and rural areas between 2006–2011. A total of 12,178 adolescents, aged between 15 and 19 years, participated in National Surveys of Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases. Data on physical activity was obtained using the global physical activity questionnaire. A complex sample survey and multinomial logistic regression were used to model physical activity levels. The percentage of adolescents who had low levels of physical activity increased from 2006 to 2011 in both urban and rural areas. Low and moderate levels of physical activity were lower in rural girls as compared with urban girls, with a prevalence ratio of 0.59 (95% CI 0.47–0.74) and 0.59 (95% CI 0.47–0.74), respectively. The corresponding values for boys residing in rural areas compared with boys in urban areas were 0.56 (95% CI 0.43–0.75) and 0.60 (95% CI 0.48–0.74), respectively. The adolescents' lifestyles showed an increasing trend for physical inactivity in both genders; however, in rural areas, only girls had a rising affinity for a sedentary lifestyle throughout the 2006–2011 years.

scholarly journals Levels and Changes of Physical Activity in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Contextualizing Urban vs. Rural Living Environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 3997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasa Zenic ◽  
Redha Taiar ◽  
Barbara Gilic ◽  
Mateo Blazevic ◽  
Dora Maric ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Adolescents ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Rural Living ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing implemented shortly after influence physical activity levels (PALs). The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the changes in PAL and factors associated with PALs among Croatian adolescents while considering the impact of community (urban vs. rural living environment). The sample included 823 adolescents (mean age: 16.5 ± 2.1 years) who were tested on baseline (from October 2019 to March 2020; before COVID-19 pandemic in Croatia) and follow-up (in April 2020; during the COVID-19 pandemic and imposed rules of social distancing). Baseline testing included anthropometrics, physical fitness status, and evaluation of PALs, while follow-up included only PALs (evaluated by a standardized questionnaire through an internet application). The results showed a significant influence of the living environment on the decrease of PAL, with a larger decrease in urban adolescents. Logistic regression showed a higher likelihood for normal PALs at baseline in adolescents who had better fitness status, with no strong confounding effect of the urban/rural environment. The fitness status of urban adolescents predicted their PALs at follow-up. The differences between urban and rural adolescents with regard to the established changes in PALs and relationships between the predictors and PALs are explained by the characteristics of the living communities (lack of organized sports in rural areas), and the level of social distancing in the studied period and region/country.

scholarly journals The Impact of Living Arrangements and Intergenerational Support on the Health Status of Older People in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 796-796
Author(s):  
Yazhen Yang ◽  
Maria Evandrou ◽  
Athina Vlachantoni
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Older People ◽  
Adult Children ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Intergenerational Support ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Research to-date has examined the impact of intergenerational support in terms of isolated types of support, or at one point in time, failing to provide strong evidence of the complex effect of support on older persons’ wellbeing. Using the Harmonised China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011, 2013 and 2015), this paper investigates the impact of older people’s living arrangements and intergenerational support provision/ receipt on their physical and psychological wellbeing, focusing on rural/ urban differences. The results show that receiving economic support from one’s adult children was a stronger predictor for higher life satisfaction among older rural residents compared to those in urban areas, while grandchild care provision was an important determinant for poor life satisfaction only for older urban residents. Receiving informal care from one’s adult children was associated with a poor (I)ADL functional status and with depressive symptoms among older rural people. Meanwhile, having weekly in-person and distant contact reduced the risk of depression among older people in both rural and urban areas. The paper shows that it is important to improve the level of public economic transfers and public social care towards vulnerable older people in rural areas, and more emphasis should be placed on improving the psychological well-being of urban older residents, such as with the early diagnosis of depression.

scholarly journals Impact of school closures on the health and well-being of primary school children in Wales UK; a routine data linkage study using the HAPPEN survey (2018-2020)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michaela James ◽  
Emily Marchant ◽  
Margaret A. Defeyter ◽  
Jayne V. Woodside ◽  
Sinead Brophy
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Sleep Time ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
School Closures ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
School Competence ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
The Impact ◽  
General Wellbeing

AbstractIntroductionIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, school closures were implemented across the United Kingdom. This study aimed to explore the impact of school closures on children’s health by comparing health and wellbeing outcomes collected during school closures (April – June 2020) with data from the same period in 2019 and 2018.MethodsData were collected online via the ‘HAPPEN At Home’ survey, which captured the typical health behaviours of children aged 8 – 11 years between April - June 2020. These data were compared with data in 2018 and 2019 also collected between April-June, from HAPPEN. Free school meal (FSM) status was used as a proxy for socio-economic deprivation. Analyses were repeated stratifying by FSM.ResultsComparing responses between April – June in 2020 (n=1068), 2019 (n=1150) and 2018 (n=475), there were improvements in physical activity levels, sleep time, happiness and general wellbeing for children during school closures compared to previous years. However, children on FSM ate less fruit and vegetables (21% (95%CI (5.7% to 37%)) and had lower self-assessed school competence compared to 2019. Compared to those not on FSM they also spent less time doing physical activity (13.03% (95%CI: 3.3% to 21.7%) and consumed more takeaways (16.3% (95%CI: 2%-30%)) during school closures.ConclusionThis study suggests that schools play an important role in reducing inequalities in physical health. The physical health (e.g. physical activity and diet) of children eligible for FSM may be impacted by prolonged school closures.What is already known on this subject?In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, by mid-March 2020, 138 countries had implemented national school closures to reduce the number of social contacts between pupils, therefore interrupting the transmission of COVID-19 as part of pandemic plans. UNESCO warned that the global scale and speed of the educational disruption would be unparalleled. There is an ongoing debate with regard to the effectiveness of school’s closures on transmission rates, but the fact schools are closed for a long period of time could have detrimental impacts on pupil’s physical and mental health.This study provides evidence of any differences in the health and wellbeing of children prior to and during the COVID-19 enforced lockdown and school closures between March and June 2020. These findings could have a significant impact for the future and support schools to better understand their pupil’s physical, psychological, emotional and social health. It also contributes to a significant literature gap regarding the impact of school closures on school-aged children.What this study adds?Improvements in physical activity levels, sleep time, happiness and general wellbeing were observed in general for children during school closures compared to previous years. However, children on FSM reported eating less fruit and vegetables and had lower self-assessed school competence compared to 2019. Compared to those not on FSM they also spent less time doing physical activity and consumed more takeaways during school closures. These trends are not evident among children not on FSM. All children reported improvements in wellbeing during lockdown especially on the happiness with family measure.Overall, findings suggest schools help to reduce inequalities in physical health for socio-economically deprived children. During school closures children from deprived backgrounds are likely to have poorer physical health (e.g. less time spent doing physical activities and poorer diet) and this is not observed in children who are not in receipt of FSM. This research suggests that school closures will result in widening health inequalities and when schools return measures will need to be in place to readdress the widened gap in physical health.

scholarly journals Study of nursing students physical activity levels

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (SUPPLEMENT 1) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Joanna Baj-Korpak ◽  
Filip Korpak ◽  
Andrei Shpakou ◽  
Volha Pauliuts
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Dominant Activity ◽  
Activity Questionnaire ◽  
Activity Areas

Background: Numerous connections between physical activity (PA) and health clearly indicate that nowadays conscious and purposeful PA is essential. Aim of the study: To determine PA levels reported by University nursing students and to indicate the dominant activity areas. Material and methods: A diagnostic survey which included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ) was used to examine 419 students of nursing. Results: The reported total PA of the students under investigation was 3443.9 MET-min/week. Walking activities were the dominant area of PA (mean = 1557.6 MET-min/week), whereas vigorous activities were the least common. Compared to women, men accumulated higher values of MET-min/week in the area of total PA and its components, with the exception of vigorous activities. Significant differences in PA were only shown when place of residence was factored in. Conclusions: The IPAQ showed that one in four participants demonstrated high levels of PA. More than onethird of the respondents did not meet the criteria for moderate or high activity levels, thus exhibiting low levels of PA. The participants from urban areas were more active than those from rural areas. Out of the three areas of PA (vigorous, moderate and walking), walking was the most dominate activity.

scholarly journals Urban versus rural lifestyle in adolescents: associations between environment, physical activity levels and sedentary behavior

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 461-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela Ferreira Regis ◽  
◽  
Luciano Machado Ferreira Tenório de Oliveira ◽  
Ana Raquel Mendes dos Santos ◽  
Ameliane da Conceição Reubens Leonidio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior in adolescents living in urban and rural areas. Methods An epidemiological, cross-section study with quantitative design, carried out at the regional level. The sample comprised 6,234 students aged 14 to 19 years, selected using random cluster sampling. The χ2 test and binary logistic regression were used in the analysis. Results A total of 74.5% of adolescents lived in urban areas. After adjustment, rural residents spent less time watching television (odds ratio – OR: 0.45; 95% confidence interval – 95%CI: 0.39-0.52), using a computer and/or playing video games (OR: 0.30; 95%CI: 0.22-0.42), or sitting down (OR: 0.66; 95%CI: 0.54-0.80); chose passive leisure less often (OR: 0.83; 95%IC: 0.72-0.95) and were less likely to be classified as insufficiently active (OR: 0.88; 95%IC: 0.78-0.99) when compared to urban residents, regardless of sex or age. The fact that adolescents living in rural areas who did not work were more likely to be classified as insufficiently active (OR: 2.59; 95%CI: 2.07-3.24) emphasized the significant role of occupation in physical activity levels in this group. Conclusion Adolescents living in rural areas were less exposed to the sedentary behaviors, chose more active leisure, and had higher levels of physical activity. Place of residence and occupation may play a major role in youth lifestyle.

scholarly journals A study of physical activity levels and its correlates among adults: a cross-sectional study

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 1154
Author(s):  
Chaitanya Patil ◽  
Manjusha Dhoble ◽  
Alka Kaware
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Sedentary Lifestyle ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Active Lifestyle ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Background: Three fourth of the world’s death burden is shared by low to middle income countries due to non-communicable diseases. Physical inactivity is one of the important preventable risk factor in non-communicable diseases. It amounts to 4th leading risk factor for global mortality. Hence, this study was conducted to study the physical activity level and its correlates among adult patients attending health training centres in Nagpur. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among adult patients attending the health centres of Indira Gandhi Government Medical College. Pregnant women, lactating women, debilitated patients and patients not giving consent were excluded from the study. A preformed and pretested questionnaire was used to conduct the interviews which included socio-demographic variables like age, sex, and educational status. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were measured according to the standard guidelines. The physical activity level was calculated using the principles of 1985 FAO/WHO/UNU expert consultation (WHO, 1985). Results: Of 200 study subjects, 59% were having a sedentary lifestyle, 27% were having a moderately active lifestyle and 14% were having a vigorously active lifestyle. A statistically significant increasing trend for sedentary study subjects (p =0.002 with age was found. Those who reported sedentary physical activity levels had 3.42 odds of being hypertensive, 7.44 times odds of being diabetic, 3 times odds of being overweight and 2.41 odds of being obese. The adults in urban areas were having significantly less physical activity levels when compared rural areas. Conclusions: Higher levels of sedentary lifestyle were found in urban areas compared to rural areas. As the age increased the sedentary lifestyle was having a significantly increasing trend. Physical activity was associated with the diabetic status, hypertensive status, and obesity status.  

scholarly journals Association of COVID-19 employment disruption with mental and social wellbeing: evidence from nine UK longitudinal studies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacques Wels ◽  
Charlotte Booth ◽  
Bozena Wielgoszewska ◽  
Michael J Green ◽  
Giorgio Di Gessa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Longitudinal Studies ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
Adjusted Risk ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Social Wellbeing ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to major economic disruptions. In March 2020, the UK implemented the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, known as furlough, to minimize the impact of job losses. We investigate associations between change in employment status and mental and social wellbeing during the early stages of the pandemic. Methods: Data from 25,670 respondents, aged 16 to 66, from nine UK longitudinal studies were analysed. Changes in employment (including being furloughed) were defined by comparing employment status pre-pandemic and during the first lockdown. Mental and social wellbeing outcomes included psychological distress, life satisfaction, self-rated health, social contact, and loneliness. Study-specific modified Poisson regression estimates, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and pre-pandemic outcome measures, were pooled using meta-analysis. Results: Compared to those who remained working, furloughed workers were at greater risk of psychological distress (adjusted risk ratio, ARR=1.12; 95% CI: 0.97, 1.29), low life satisfaction (ARR=1.14; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.22), loneliness (ARR=1.12; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.23), and fair/poor self-rated health (ARR=1.26; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.50), but risk ratios appear less pronounced compared to those no longer employed (e.g., psychological distress, ARR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.59) or stable unemployed (e.g., psychological distress, ARR=1.33; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.62). Conclusions: During the early stages of the pandemic those furloughed had increased risk for poor mental and social wellbeing. However, their excess risk was lower in magnitude than those who became or remained unemployed, suggesting that furlough partly mitigated poorer outcomes.

Effect of Urbanization on Objectively Measured Physical Activity Levels, Sedentary Time, and Indices of Adiposity in Kenyan Adolescents

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert M. Ojiambo ◽  
Chris Easton ◽  
Jose A. Casajús ◽  
Kenn Konstabel ◽  
John J. Reilly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Adolescents ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Objectively Measured Physical Activity

Background:Urbanization affects lifestyles in the developing world but no studies have assessed the impact on objectively measured physical activity in children and adolescents from sub-Saharan Africa.Purpose:To compare objectively measured habitual physical activity, sedentary time, and indices of adiposity in adolescents from rural and urban areas of Kenya.Methods:Physical activity and sedentary time were assessed by accelerometry for 5 consecutive days in 97 (50 female and 47 male) rural and 103 (52 female and 51 male) urban adolescents (mean age 13 ± 1 years). Body Mass Index (BMI) and BMI z-scores were used to assess adiposity.Results:Rural males spent more time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) compared with urban males (68 ± 22 vs. 50 ± 17 min, respectively; P < .001). Similarly, Rural females spent more time in MVPA compared with urban females (62 ± 20 vs. 37 ± 20 min, respectively; P < .001). Furthermore, there were significant differences in daily sedentary time between rural and urban subjects. Residence (rural vs. urban) significantly (P < .001) influenced BMI z-score (R2 = .46).Conclusion:Rural Kenyan adolescents are significantly more physically active (and less sedentary) and have lower indices of adiposity compared with urban adolescents and this is a likely refection of the impact of urbanization on lifestyle in Kenya.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of parkrun participants in the United Kingdom

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Quirk ◽  
Steve Haake ◽  
Elizabeth Goyder ◽  
Alice Bullas ◽  
Mike Graney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract IntroductionLockdown restrictions imposed across the UK in response to the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on many people’s health and wellbeing. People were encouraged to be active, but population surveys suggest some groups found this easier than others. We explored the changes in health, wellbeing and physical activity levels among a sample in the UK who experienced the sudden loss of a weekly community-based physical activity opportunity, parkrun.MethodsA sample of UK parkrun participants responded to two surveys; pre-COVID-19 in January/February 2019 and during the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2020. Outcomes were happiness, life satisfaction, connections with others, physical health, mental health and physical activity. The sample was stratified by gender, age, deprivation status, physical activity and number of parkruns completed. Demographics were reported using descriptive statistics. Distributions between sub-groups were compared using Chi-square tests while differences in outcomes were determined using the Mann-Whitney U test. Open text responses were also analysed. FindingsHappiness, life satisfaction, connections with others, physical health and mental health of 450 parkrun participants were negatively impacted for all sub-groups, although the impact was not experienced equally. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the mental wellbeing of a greater proportion of females, younger adults, inactive people, those from higher deprivation areas, and those who had completed fewer parkruns.ConclusionsThere is evidence that the wellbeing of those who were more active, and those more involved in a community-based physical activity initiative pre-pandemic, was less negatively affected during the COVID-19 lockdown.

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