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

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Efsun Karabudak ◽  
Eda Koksal ◽  
Melahat Sedanur Macit

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.

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s283-s283
Author(s):  
D. Menti ◽  
V. Fanioudaki ◽  
G. Lyrakos

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.


Author(s):  
Djordje Stevanovic ◽  
Mina Poskurica ◽  
Jovan Jovanovic ◽  
Miodrag Sreckovic ◽  
Vladimir Zdravkovic ◽  
...  

Abstract Obesity is a global health problem associated with numerous pathological conditions. Unhealthy eating habits and the lack of regular physical activity are considered the most common cause of disordered nutritional status. The aim of the research was to determine the nutritional status in student population and the predictors which determine this condition. The cross-sectional study was conducted on 262 students of the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Kragujevac (130 males and 132 females). Body weight and height, body mass index (BMI) and visceral fat (VF) were measured. Each respondent completed a specially designed questionnaire considering sociodemographic data, eating habits and physical activity. The majority of students have normal BMI values (75.6%), 5.3% were classified as underweight, 14.9% as over-weight and 4.3% as obese. Normal VF values were found in 93.1% of subjects, while high in 5.7% and very high in 1.1%. A statistically significant difference in BMI and VF values was found between male and female gender (24.41 vs. 21.05, Sig = 0.000 and 5.47 vs. 3.07, Sig = 0.000, respectively), as well as between students of the first 4 and the last 2 years of study (Sig = 0.019 and 0.000 respectively). Unhealthy eating habits, such as the consumption of sweets, snacks, fast foods and white bread, and the absence of regular physical activity were statistically more present in overweight/obese respondents. Given the significant presence of pre-obesity/obesity in the examined population, corrective measures should be taken in this population in order to avoid a major health problem in the future.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 477-484
Author(s):  
Paulina Barczak ◽  
Hanna Bednarek

The studies demonstrate the relationship between higher level of life satisfaction and exercise. The purpose of this article was to determine what type of physical activity, CrossFit training or Latin Dance, positively impacts the level of life satisfaction and self-perceived physical attractiveness in young adults. After CrossFit and Latin Dance training participants declared greater overall satisfaction with life, greater life optimism, increased self-efficacy and greater self-esteem. The results of the authors’ study may be an important contribution to the discussion about factors influencing human well-being. Furthermore, the research could be a scientific argument to promote physical activity among young adults.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Lučić ◽  
Marija Uzelac ◽  
Andrea Previšić

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of values of materialism on cognitive and affective impulsiveness and responsible financial behavior among young adults. Design/methodology/approach A large-scale study (n = 483) was conducted on a sample of young adults 18 to 25 years of age in Croatia. Findings The research found that materialism has no direct effect on responsible financial behaviour (RFB), however, cognitive impulsiveness fully mediates the relationship of all three there three elements of materialism, centrality, success and happiness and RFB. Affective impulsiveness has no effect on the relationship. Furthermore, only materialism as centrality strongly and positively influences cognitive and affective impulsiveness. Practical implications Presented conclusions could be used by policymakers as guidelines for developing educational plans and curriculum to build financial capability and consumer protection among young adults and could be helpful for brand management activities targeting young people purchase decisions. Originality/value This paper’s ultimate purpose is to uncover the mechanism and the power of materialism on impulsiveness and responsible financial behavior. The paper’s originality is established by the focus on the investigation of materialism as an antecedent factor of impulsiveness and by questioning the nature of the relationship between materialism and responsible financial behavior through the mediating effect of impulsiveness.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabián Espitia-Almeida ◽  
Martha Mora-García ◽  
Alexandra Coquel-Bru ◽  
Christian Orozco-Sánchez

Purpose This paper aims to determine the eating habits and physical activity in students of the Rafael Núñez University. Design/methodology/approach Descriptive cross-sectional study, based on the application of a survey on eating habits and physical activity. Furthermore, height, weight, hip circumference and abdominal circumference were also recorded. Findings Total, 170 students were included, 29 (17.1%) males and 141 (82.9%) females, with a mean age of 20.0 ± 5.2 years. Among the students, 22 (12.9%) were underweight, 95 (55.9%) were normal weight, 40 (23.5%) were overweight and 13 (7.7%) with obesity. Regarding eating habits, the majority preferred to consume three daily meals: breakfast 140 (82.3%), lunch 170 (100%) and dinner 96 (56.5%). Regarding fruits intake, 18 (15.9%) males reported consuming them seven days a week, and 54 (31.2 %) females reported consuming them occasionally. In physical activity, most of the population (n = 103, 60.6%) exercises with a frequency of one to three days/week. Originality/value The authors’ work is original and has not been sent to another magazine.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hendy Mustiko Aji ◽  
Wiwiek Rabiatul Adawiyah

Purpose As it gains more popularity, e-wallets drive its users to spend more. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore how and why e-wallets may encourage excessive spending behavior among young adult consumers. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory sequential or QUAL-QUANT design, combining qualitative and quantitative, is used in this study. It is a type of mixed-method design consisting of both the core and supplementary methods. The qualitative method is conducted in Study 1 using online focus group discussion to answer “why” and “how” questions, whereas the quantitative method is used in Study 2 to test or examine the hypothetical model. The questionnaires are extracted from focus group discussion in Study 1, which is further tested for validity and reliability and model estimation in Study 2. The model is evaluated using structural equation modeling. Findings Study 1 extracted four keywords to affect young adults spending behavior, easiness, promotions, self-control and perception of having more money (the illusion of liquidity). In Study 2, it is found that those four variables significantly affect spending behavior. Interestingly, it is also found in Study 2 that the illusion of liquidity mediates the relationship between self-control and spending behavior. Research limitations/implications During the COVID-19 pandemic, where a physical meeting is not encouraged, focus group discussion is conducted online via Zoom. Perhaps, this condition can be one limitation this study faced. Originality/value This study offers a theoretical contribution to the literature by exploring how and why e-wallet payment is connected to excessive spending behavior among young adult consumers. This study also provides a model that further explains the relationship between young adults’ spending behavior by adding the illusion of liquidity as the mediating variable.


Author(s):  
Maria Alexandrovna Kozlova ◽  
Anna Nikolaevna Filatova

The article touches upon the question of the relationship between proper nutrition and physical activity. A study of the nutritional status and lifestyle of students was carried out. The assessment was carried out according to several criteria: the daily diet and its components (this gave an idea of the substances that the body may lack), bad habits and the degree of employment in work or educational activities. The results of the study showed that there is a direct relationship between adequate nutrition and physical activity. Practical recommendations for adjusting the daily diet are given. Attention is focused on food products containing the greatest amount of vitamins and minerals, which, according to the results of the research, were not enough for students.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pilar Pérez-Ros ◽  
Rafael Vila-Candel ◽  
Lourdes López-Hernández ◽  
Francisco Miguel Martínez-Arnau

Objective: This study aims to assess the relationship that frailty has with nutritional status and functional risk factors in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Cross-sectional study in community-dwelling older people, independent for walking and without impaired cognition. Frailty was assessed by Fried criteria. Nutritional status was analyzed by the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF), biochemical markers (albumin, total proteins, cholesterol, lymphocytes, and hemoglobin); and anthropometric parameters (body mass index [BMI], body fat percentage, handgrip, and perimeters). A comprehensive geriatric assessment analyzed other risk factors: functionality, cognition, falls, comorbidity, polypharmacy, physical activity, and quality of life (QoL). Results: We included 564 elderly people with a mean age of 76.05 (standard deviation 3.97) years; 63.1% (n = 356) were women, and 83.9% (n = 473) were prefrail, and frail. The sample presented high functionality and a nutritional status with a predominance of overweight and obesity. Factors associated with frailty (R2 = 0.43) were age over 75 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.76, 6.21; p < 0.001), female gender (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.24, 4.52; p = 0.009), anemia (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.19, 5.02; p = 0.015), falls (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.12, 3.25; p = 0.016) and the fear of falling (OR 4.01: 95% CI 1.76, 9.16; p = 0.001). Performing more than 3 weekly hours of physical activity was found to be a protective factor (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.15, 0.35; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The relationship between frailty and malnutrition in functionally independent community-dwelling older people is unclear. More studies are needed to know what nutritional markers are related to frailty, cognition, and functionality in order to discriminate the risk factors for community-dwelling older people at risk of malnutrition and dependency.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 483-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dheyaa Hussein

PurposeThis study aims to provide a method to assess the perceptual impact of the visual complexity of building façades.Design/methodology/approachThe research identifies the number of design elements and the variation in their position and colour as variables of visual complexity. It introduces the concepts of vertices and corners as atomic indicators on which the measurement of these variables is built. It measures visual complexity and its variables in images of building façades and analyses their relationships with participants' reactions. It reports on the effect of visual complexity on preferences, the adequacy of different methods in measuring visual complexity and the perceptual impact of each of its variables.FindingsThe research demonstrates that visual complexity can be assessed through the measure of its variables and their statistical mapping to users' preferences.Originality/valueThe manuscript provides the foundation for a planning/assessment tool for the visual control of the built environment using computer systems based on the preferences of residents through the examination of the relationship between the users and their environment. It creates a paradigm, which introduces a robust concept in the visual analysis of urban design.


2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 158-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evi Petersen ◽  
Gerhard Schoen ◽  
Gunnar Liedtke ◽  
Astrid Zech

Purpose Urban green space (UGS) shows to be a sustainable resource stimulating physical activity, health and quality of life in the general population. With regard to an aging European population, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between UGS, physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in community-dwelling older adults. Design/methodology/approach Cross-sectional survey data were provided by a sample from Hamburg (Germany), consisting of 272 adults aged⩾65 years. Respondents answered questions regarding HRQoL (Short Form 12), physical activity (German-PAQ-50+) and exposure to UGS. The authors applied a linear regression to analyse the relationship between weekly duration of exposure to UGS and physical activity. While controlling for confounding factors, the authors used a multivariate linear regression model to detect effects on HRQoL. Findings A significant effect (adjusted R2: 4.3 per cent; p-value⩽0.001) was found for weekly duration of exposure to UGS and weekly physical activity. Multiple linear regression showed significant positive effects of weekly duration of exposure to UGS (p=0.010) and weekly time of physical activity (p=0.017) on HRQoL. Age, sex and feeling of satisfaction were identified as relevant confounding factors. Research limitations/implications Future research should continue to explore the indicators that mediate an increase of physical activity and HRQoL in the heterogeneous age band of older adults. Practical implications Findings suggest that community-dwelling older adults are likely to benefit from higher amounts of time in UGS since it is positively associated with both physical activity and HRQoL. Therefore, urban planners should explicitly consider the demands of community-dwelling older adults towards UGS. Originality/value This study is one of the first to examine the relationship between UGS, physical activity and HRQoL in older adults.


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