Impact of Social Isolation on Physical Activity and Factors Associated With Sedentary Behavior in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The objective was to analyze the impact of social isolation on moderate physical activity and factors associated with sedentary behavior of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional study involving 111 older adults (aged 71.0 ± 6.87 years). The data were collected at two time points: in November 2019 and in June 2020. There was a decline in moderate physical activity when the minutes/week were compared before and during social isolation (p < .001). Sedentary behavior was associated with the condition of living alone. Older adults who lived alone were 3.29 times more likely to spend 4 hr or more in sedentary behavior than those who lived with a partner (95% confidence interval [1.01, 10.74]). Government agencies must establish PA-related health promotion strategies, especially in developing and low-income countries. Therefore, home exercises need to be encouraged to prevent the consequences of this pandemic period.

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How is the COVID-19 lockdown impacting the mental health of parents of school-age children in the UK? A cross-sectional online survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043397 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. e043397

Author(s):

Austen El-Osta ◽

Aos Alaa ◽

Iman Webber ◽

Eva Riboli Sasco ◽

Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Female Gender ◽

School Age Children ◽

School Age ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveInvestigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on feelings of loneliness and social isolation in parents of school-age children.DesignCross-sectional online survey of parents of primary and secondary school-age children.SettingCommunity setting.Participants1214 parents of school-age children in the UK.MethodsAn online survey explored the impact of lockdown on the mental health of parents with school-age children, and in particular about feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Associations between the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UCLATILS), the Direct Measure of Loneliness (DMOL) and the characteristics of the study participants were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported measures of social isolation and loneliness using UCLATILS and DMOL.ResultsHalf of respondents felt they lacked companionship, 45% had feelings of being left out, 58% felt isolated and 46% felt lonely during the first 100 days of lockdown. The factors that were associated with higher levels of loneliness on UCLATILS were female gender, parenting a child with special needs, lack of a dedicated space for distance learning, disruption of sleep patterns and low levels of physical activity during the lockdown. Factors associated with a higher DMOL were female gender, single parenting, parenting a child with special needs, unemployment, low physical activity, lack of a dedicated study space and disruption of sleep patterns during the lockdown.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown has increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness among parents of school-age children. The sustained adoption of two modifiable health-seeking lifestyle behaviours (increased levels of physical activity and the maintenance of good sleep hygiene practices) wmay help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

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Abstract MP01: Association of Objectively-measured Physical Activity with Cardiovascular Risk in Mobility-limited Older Adults

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.129.suppl_1.mp01 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Thomas W Buford ◽

Don G Hire ◽

Walter T Ambrosius ◽

Stephen D Anton ◽

Timothy S Church ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Risk Score ◽

Activity Data ◽

Mean Intensity ◽

Wear Time ◽

Low Intensity ◽

Objectively Measured ◽

The Impact

Introduction: In middle-aged adults, time spent being sedentary is associated with cardiovascular (CV) health risks independent of structured physical activity (PA). However, data are sparse regarding the impact of sedentary behavior on CV risk in older adults. The extent to which the absolute duration or intensity of daily PA reduces CV risk in older adults is also unknown. Objectives: Our objective was to examine the cross-sectional association between objectively-measured sedentary behavior and predicted CV risk among older adults in the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) study. The secondary objective was to evaluate associations between the duration/intensity of daily PA and predicted CV risk. Methods: LIFE is a randomized clinical trial to determine if regular PA prevents mobility disability among mobility-limited older adults. Activity data were collected by hip-worn accelerometer at baseline prior to participation in study interventions. Only participants with at least three days of accelerometry data (≥ 10 hrs wear time) were included. Unadjusted and adjusted linear regression was used to model the relationship between accelerometry measures and predicted 10-year Framingham risk of Hard Coronary Heart Disease (HCHD; i.e. myocardial infarction or coronary death). Adjusted models included demographic confounders (e.g. education, race, income) and health parameters (e.g. depression, cognition, arthritis) not in the risk score. Accelerometry cut-points were (in counts/min): sedentary behavior: < 100; low-intensity activity: 100-499; higher intensity activity: > 500. Results: Participants (n = 1170; 78.7 ± [SD] 5.3 years; 66.1% female) had a median HCHD risk of 10.3% (25 th -75 th %: 5.7-18.6). Over a mean accelerometer wear time of 8.1 ± 3.2 days, participants spent 77.0 ± 8.2% of their time sedentary. They also spent 16.6 ± 5.0% of their time in low-intensity PA and 6.4 ± 4.4% in higher-intensity PA. For all PA performed (> 100 counts/min), participants achieved a median of 393.4 (337.8-473.5) counts/min. In the unadjusted model, time spent sedentary (β = 2.41; 95% CI : 1.94, 2.89), in low-intensity PA (-2.56; -3.03, -2.08), and in higher-intensity PA (-1.60; -2.09, -1.11) were all associated with HCHD risk (all p’s < 0.001). These associations remained significant after adjustment. The mean intensity of daily PA was not significantly associated with HCHD risk in any model (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Daily time spent being sedentary is positively associated with predicted 10-year HCHD risk among mobility-limited older adults. Duration, but not mean intensity, of daily PA is inversely associated with HCHD risk score in this population.

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Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Response to COVID-19 and Their Associations with Mental Health in 3052 US Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17186469 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (18) ◽

pp. 6469 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Jacob Meyer ◽

Cillian McDowell ◽

Jeni Lansing ◽

Cassandra Brower ◽

Lee Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Screen Time ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Societal Changes ◽

The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic altered many facets of life. We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19-related public health guidelines on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, mental health, and their interrelations. Cross-sectional data were collected from 3052 US adults 3–8 April 2020 (from all 50 states). Participants self-reported pre- and post-COVID-19 levels of moderate and vigorous PA, sitting, and screen time. Currently-followed public health guidelines, stress, loneliness, positive mental health (PMH), social connectedness, and depressive and anxiety symptoms were self-reported. Participants were grouped by meeting US PA guidelines, reporting ≥8 h/day of sitting, or ≥8 h/day of screen time, pre- and post-COVID-19. Overall, 62% of participants were female, with age ranging from 18–24 (16.6% of sample) to 75+ (9.3%). Self-reported PA was lower post-COVID among participants reporting being previously active (mean change: −32.3% [95% CI: −36.3%, −28.1%]) but largely unchanged among previously inactive participants (+2.3% [−3.5%, +8.1%]). No longer meeting PA guidelines and increased screen time were associated with worse depression, loneliness, stress, and PMH (p < 0.001). Self-isolation/quarantine was associated with higher depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to social distancing (p < 0.001). Maintaining and enhancing physical activity participation and limiting screen time increases during abrupt societal changes may mitigate the mental health consequences.

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Impact of first and second eye cataract surgery on physical activity: a prospective study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024491 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. e024491 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Lynn B Meuleners ◽

Ying Ru Feng ◽

Michelle Fraser ◽

Kate Brameld ◽

Kyle Chow

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cataract Surgery ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Moderate Physical Activity ◽

Bilateral Cataract ◽

Eye Surgery ◽

The Impact

ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of first eye and second eye cataract surgery on the level of physical activity undertaken by older adults with bilateral cataract.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingThree public ophthalmology clinics in Western Australia.ParticipantsFifty-five older adults with bilateral cataract aged 55+ years, awaiting first eye cataract surgery.Outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was participation in moderate leisure-time physical activity. The secondary outcomes were participation in walking, gardening and vigorous leisure-time physical activity. Participants completed a researcher-administered questionnaire, containing the Active Australia Survey and visual tests before first eye cataract surgery, after first eye surgery and after second eye surgery. A Generalised Estimating Equation linear regression model was undertaken to analyse the change in moderate leisure-time physical activity participation before first eye surgery, after first eye surgery and after second eye surgery, after accounting for relevant confounders.ResultsParticipants spent significantly less time per week (20 min) on moderate leisure-time physical activity before first eye cataract surgery compared with after first eye surgery (p=0.04) after accounting for confounders. After second eye cataract surgery, participants spent significantly more time per week (32 min) on moderate physical activity compared with after first eye surgery (p=0.02). There were no significant changes in walking, gardening and vigorous physical activity throughout the cataract surgery process.ConclusionFirst and second eye cataract surgery each independently increased participation in moderate leisure-time physical activity. This provides a rationale for timely first and second eye cataract surgery for bilateral cataract patients, even when they have relatively good vision.

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Malnutrition and its determinants among older adults people in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-020-01917-w ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Tadele Abate ◽

Berhanu Mengistu ◽

Asmamaw Atnafu ◽

Terefe Derso

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Low Income ◽

Behavioral Interventions ◽

Nutritional Assessment ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Limited Information ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background In Ethiopia, malnutrition among older adults is under detected and, neglected area because the entire problem related with aging considered as fate of aging. Also, older adults are often omitted from public health research. Literatures are scarce in Ethiopia; there is limited information in the current study area among older adults using Min Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Therefore, this paper investigated the prevalence of malnutrition and its predictors among older adults people aged 65 years or above in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was employed from January 1 to march 30, 2020 in Addis Ababa. Nutritional status of the older adults was measured by using Min nutritional assessment (MNA). Data from 662 older adults were collected through face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with malnutrition. Result The prevalence of malnutrition among older adults was found to be 26.6%[95% Confidence interval (CI):22.8, 30.1]. Depression [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 7.57 95%CI: 5.01, 11.45], being poor [AOR = 1.95 95% CI: 1.166, 3.25], occupation; daily laborer and guard [AOR = 2.78 95% CI: 1.12, 7.17] and being old old [AOR = 2.62 95% CI: 1.62, 4.25] were significantly associated with the higher odds of malnutrition. Conclusion This study illustrated that considerably high proportion of older adults were malnourished in Addis Ababa. Socio-economic characteristics and depression were significantly associated with malnutrition. Therefore, nutritional and social support activities are essential for older adults, particularly of those who are socio-economically disadvantaged and advanced age. In addition, regular nutritional screening and management as well as behavioral interventions should be strengthened as a pillar component of therapeutic interventions. Specific nutritional requirements, at later stages of life is changing, and with the population aged over 65 years increasing in low-income countries like Ethiopia, the research in this field is likely to increase further.

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Spirituality and Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior among Latino Men and Women in Massachusetts

Ethnicity & Disease ◽

10.18865/ed.27.1.3 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 3 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Valerie J. Silfee ◽

Christina F. Haughton ◽

Stephenie C. Lemon ◽

Vilma Lora ◽

Milagros C. Rosal

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Family Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Future Research ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Latino Men ◽

Hispanic Adults ◽

Sectional Analysis ◽

The Impact

Objective: To examine the relationships between spirituality and physical activity and sedentary behavior in a sample of Latino adults in Massachusetts.Design: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the Lawrence Health and Well Being Study; a study that was conducted among patients at the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) in Lawrence, Massachusetts.Participants: 602 Latino or Hispanic adults aged 21 to 85 years completed the study.Results: There was a significant negative relationship between spirituality and sedentary behavior (β= -.12, p = .004). Although not statistically significant, higher spirituality was associated with increased odds of engaging in physical activity. There were no significant associations between spirituality and physical activity among men or women. Men with greater spirituality were significantly less sedentary (β = -.17, P = .005). There was no relationship between sedentary behavior and spirituality among women.Conclusions: This study found that individuals who are more spiritual are also less sedentary, and this association was stronger in men than women. Findings provide insight for developing future interventions to promote activity in this high-risk population, which has been greatly understudied. Future research endeavors should consider investigating the impact of spirituality-based messages to reduce sedentary behavior among Latinos.Ethn Dis. 2017;27(1):3-10; doi:10.18865/ed.27.1.3.

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Parental-perceived home and neighborhood environmental correlates of accelerometer-measured physical activity among school-going children in Uganda

PLOS Global Public Health ◽

10.1371/journal.pgph.0000089 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (12) ◽

pp. e0000089

Author(s):

Bernadette Nakabazzi ◽

Lucy-Joy M. Wachira ◽

Adewale L. Oyeyemi ◽

Ronald Ssenyonga ◽

Vincent O. Onywera

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Public Schools ◽

Low Income ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Well Being ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

School Type ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Environmental Characteristics ◽

Cross Sectional

The benefits of physical activity (PA) on children’s health and well-being are well established. However, many children do not meet the PA recommendations, increasing their risk of being overweight, obese, and non-communicable diseases. Environmental characteristics of homes and neighborhoods may constrain a child’s ability to engage in PA, but evidence is needed to inform country-specific interventions in understudied low-income countries. This study assessed the associations between parental-perceived home and neighbourhood, built environment characteristics, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among children in Kampala city, Uganda. In this cross-sectional study, data were obtained from 256 children (55.5% girls) aged between 10 and 12 years and their parents. Children’s MVPA was measured using waist-worn ActiGraph accelerometers. The environments were assessed using a valid self-reported parent survey. Linear regression models with standard errors (clusters) were used to analyze the relationship between environmental variables and children’s MVPA. Sex-specific relationships were assessed using sex-stratified models. Play equipment at home (β = -2.37, p <0.001; unexpected direction), residential density (β = 2.70, p<0.05), and crime safety (β = -5.29, p <0.05; unexpected direction) were associated with children’s MVPA. The sex-specific analyses revealed more inconsistent patterns of results with a higher perception of land use mix associated with less MVPA in girls (irrespective of school type attended), and higher perceptions of sidewalk infrastructure (β = -12.01, p <0.05) and walking and cycling infrastructure (β = -14.72, p <0.05) associated with less MVPA in girls attending public schools only. A better perception of crime safety was associated with less MVPA among boys and girls attending private schools (β = -3.80, p <0.05). Few environmental characteristics were related to children’s MVPA in Uganda, and findings were largely inconsistent, especially among girls. Future studies are needed to understand the ecological determinants of health-related PA behaviors among children in Uganda.

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Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors for Anaemia Among Pregnant Women Attending Ante-Natal Clinic, Eswatini

10.21203/rs.3.rs-753198/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rumbidzai Dodzo ◽

Ropo Ebenezer Ogunsakin ◽

Themba G. Ginindza

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Low Income ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Health Concern ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Neonatal Deaths ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Anaemia In Pregnancy ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Abstract Background: Anaemia is one of the most common nutritional deficiency diseases observed globally and it affects about a third of the world’s population. Anaemia in pregnant women is a worldwide public health concern that has severe consequences for both mothers and infants, including maternal death and foetal and infant mortality. In Low-income countries (LICs), 25% of indirect maternal mortality and 30% of neonatal deaths are due to anaemia in pregnancy. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of anaemia and assess associated factors among pregnant women attending ante-natal care (ANC) clinic in the Kingdom of Eswatini, which might help for screening, prevention and treatment of anaemia and ultimately prevent its adverse effects. Method: A total of 550 pregnant women between 15 and 49 years from three health facilities were randomly enrolled using a cross-sectional study design, from January to March 2021. Non-probability sampling approach was used to select the appropriate study unit. A face-toface interview was done using a structured questionnaire to collect data. Multiple logistic regression was performed to assess the factors associated with anaemia among the women.Results: The overall anaemia prevalence among pregnant women was 43.1% (95% CI: 38.947.3). The mild, moderate and severe cases of anaemia were 21.3% (95%CI: 17.9-24.9); 21.1% (95%CI: 17.8-24.7) and 0.7% (95%CI: 0.2-1.9), respectively. The prevalence of anaemia was high among women aged 20-24 (11.1%, 95%CI: 8.6-14.0) and 25-29years (11.1%, 95%CI: 8.6-14.0). Factors associated with anaemia included living in the urban area (OR=1.8, 95%CI: 1.19-2.72, p=0.005) and having anaemia 6 months before pregnancy (OR=4.64, 95%CI: 1.1518.71, p=0.031). Additionally, gestational age at first ANC also was positively associated with anaemia: 3rd trimester (OR=10.42, 95%CI: 4.27-25.4, p<0.001) and 2nd trimester (OR=1.62, 95%CI: 1.02-2.60, p=0.043) Conclusion: Anaemia remains prevalent among pregnant women in Eswatini. Thus, a comprehensive anaemia prevention program would be justified and could lower the country’s burden of anemia.

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The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Physical Activity and Weight Gain Among Active Adult Population in Israel. A Cross-Sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-151824/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Horesh Dor-Haim ◽

Sara Katzburg ◽

Pola Revach ◽

Hagai Levin ◽

Sharon Barak

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Digital Media ◽

Adult Population ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Activity Level ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Aged Population ◽

The Impact

Abstract The COVID-19 outbreak holds public health concerns. Staying at home, increases sedentary behavior, with unintended adverse outcomes. Since organized recreation and sports facilities were closed, we aimed to study how the crisis of closure affected exercise habits and weight gain among the trainee population in Israel, assess the frequency of activity and age-adjusted weight gain, measure and ability to embrace digital media, as an alternative training frameworkA cross-sectional survey consisted of a multiple-choice questionnaire that was obtained using a web-based survey application. 1,202 trainees who exercise on a regular basis, anonymously answered the questionnaire sent by their coaches regarding their activity and weight gain during lockdown times. Results confirmed that 70% of Israelis trained less than their usual routine, 60% used digital media for training, 55% gained weight. Half of the respondents gained more than 2 kg, with an average increase of 1.2 kg. However, those who exhibited a higher physical activity level gained less weight. Using digital media for training was associated with higher physical activity levels. The aged population was less likely to use digital media.Since increased sedentary behavior could increase the risk for potential worsening of health conditions, health agencies should look for strategies, especially in the aged population, including digital media to promote physical activity and subsequently, preventing the increased burden of future comorbidities worsening by a sedentary lifestyle.

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Influence of the COVID-19 Lockdown on the Physical and Psychosocial Well-being and Work Productivity of Remote Workers: Cross-sectional Correlational Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.30708 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yessica Abigail Tronco Hernández ◽

Fabio Parente ◽

Mark A Faghy ◽

Clare M P Roscoe ◽

Frances A Maratos

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Work Productivity ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Remote Workers ◽

Distress Scale ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND Lockdowns imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the living and working habits of millions of people, with potentially important implications for their physical, mental, and social well-being. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on remote workers who were not directly affected by COVID-19. METHODS This was a correlational cross-sectional study (with an additional qualitative component) of 184 remote workers surveyed during the first COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom. Standard measures of mental health (Kessler-6 Distress Scale), productivity (Brief Instrument to Assess Workers’ Productivity During a Working Day), and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) were used, and respondents were further surveyed on changes to their dietary, exercise, smoking, drinking, and socialization habits to produce a well-being change index. RESULTS The results revealed associations between sedentary behavior and poorer mental health (τb=0.14) and between poorer mental health and low work productivity (τb=–0.39). However, both positive and negative lifestyle changes were reported; a self-reported increase in well-being (with respect to diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and socialization) since the start of the pandemic was associated with both better mental health (τb=–0.14) and better work productivity (τb=0.14). Of note, among respondents without a mental health diagnosis (137/184, 74.4%), we observed rates of moderate (76/137, 55.5%) and severe (17/137, 12.4%) psychological distress, which were markedly higher than those reported in large prepandemic studies; moreover, 70.1% (129/184) of our respondents reported more sedentary behavior, 41% (69/168) increased their alcohol consumption, and 38.6% (71/184) increased their overall food intake. However, 46% (75/163), 44.8% (39/87) and 51.8% (57/110) of respondents reported spending more time walking and engaging in more moderate and vigorous exercise, respectively. Qualitative analysis revealed many positive adaptations to lockdowns (eg, decreased commuting expenses, flexibility) but also a number of structural obstacles to remote working (eg, lack of support and high expectations from employers, childcare duties). CONCLUSIONS These findings may be of practical importance for policy makers and employers in a world in which work involves long-term remote or hybrid employment arrangements; strategies to promote more sustainable remote working are discussed.

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