scholarly journals Association between physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness and clustered cardiovascular risk in South African children from disadvantaged communities: results from a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000823
Author(s):  
Ivan Müller ◽  
Cheryl Walter ◽  
Rosa Du Randt ◽  
Ann Aerts ◽  
Larissa Adams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
South African ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Disadvantaged Communities ◽  
Significant Difference

Background/AimPhysical inactivity (PIA) is a growing global health problem and evidence suggests that PIA is a key driver for cardiovascular and chronic diseases. Recent data from South Africa revealed that only about half of the children achieved recommended daily physical activity (PA) levels. Assessing the intensity of PA in children from low socioeconomic communities in low-income and middle-income countries is important to estimate the extent of cardiovascular risk and overall impact on health.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey in eight quintile 3 primary schools in disadvantaged communities in the Port Elizabeth region, South Africa. Children aged 10–15 years were subjected to PA, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and skinfold thickness assessments. Cardiovascular risk markers were converted into standardised z-scores and summed, to obtain a clustered cardiovascular risk score.ResultsOverall, 650 children had complete data records. 40.8% of the children did not meet recommended PA levels (ie, logged <60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day). If quartiles were developed based on children’s cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and MVPA levels, a significant difference was found in clustered cardiovascular risk among children in the highest versus lowest fitness (p<0.001) or MVPA (p<0.001) quartiles.ConclusionsCRF and objectively assessed PA are closely linked with children’s clustered cardiovascular risk. Given that 4 out of 10 South African schoolchildren from marginalised communities do not meet international PA recommendations, efforts should be made to ensure that promoting a physically active lifestyle is recognised as an important educational goal in primary schools.Trial registration numbersISRCTN68411960 and H14-HEA-HMS-002.

scholarly journals Physical Activity, Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Clustered Cardiovascular Risk in South African Primary Schoolchildren from Disadvantaged Communities: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2080
Author(s):  
Siphesihle Nqweniso ◽  
Cheryl Walter ◽  
Rosa du Randt ◽  
Larissa Adams ◽  
Johanna Beckmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
South African ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Young Age ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Primary Schoolchildren

The coexistence of multiple cardiovascular risk factors has been reported in school-aged children from the age of nine years, but most evidence stems from high-income countries. This cross-sectional study aimed at describing the cardiovascular health risk, physical activity (PA) behavior and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels of South African primary schoolchildren, and at examining the associations between PA/CRF and a composite measure of cardiovascular risk. Cross-sectional data from 832 primary schoolchildren (grade 1–4) were analyzed. Total cholesterol/HDL ratio, triglycerides, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, body fat, and glycated hemoglobin were assessed as cardiovascular risk markers. Data were analyzed via mixed linear regressions and analyses of covariance. Overall, 24.2% of the participants did not meet current PA standards. Higher CRF/PA were associated with lower body fat and lower clustered cardiovascular risk (p < 0.05). When categorizing children into CRF/PA quartiles, a lower clustered cardiovascular risk gradient was found in children with higher CRF (p < 0.05) or PA (p < 0.05). Our data shows that higher CRF/PA is associated with lower clustered cardiovascular risk already from a young age. Given that clustered cardiovascular risk present during childhood can track into adulthood, we advocate for PA participation and a healthy weight from a young age onwards.

scholarly journals Sleep and BMI in South African urban and rural, high and low-income preschool children

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale E. Rae ◽  
Simone A. Tomaz ◽  
Rachel A. Jones ◽  
Trina Hinkley ◽  
Rhian Twine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
South African ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Sleep Parameters ◽  
Z Scores

Abstract Background The extent to which income setting or rural and urban environments modify the association between sleep and obesity in young children is unclear. The aims of this cross-sectional observational study were to (i) describe and compare sleep in South African preschool children from rural low-income (RL), urban low-income (UL) and urban high-income (UH) settings; and (ii) test for associations between sleep parameters and body mass index (BMI). Methods Participants were preschoolers (5.2 ± 0.7y, 49.5% boys) from RL (n = 111), UL (n = 65) and UH (n = 22) settings. Height and weight were measured. Sleep, sedentary behaviour and physical activity were assessed using accelerometery. Results UL children had higher BMI z-scores (median: 0.39; interquartile range: − 0.27, 0.99) than the UH (− 0.38; − 0.88, 0.11) and RL (− 0.08; − 0.83, 0.53) children (p = 0.001). The UL children had later bedtimes (p < 0.001) and wake-up times (p < 0.001) and shorter 24 h (p < 0.001) and nocturnal (p < 0.001) sleep durations than the RL and UH children. After adjusting for age, sex, setting, SB and PA, for every hour less sleep obtained (24 h and nocturnal), children were 2.28 (95% CI: 1.28–4.35) and 2.22 (95% CI: 1.27–3.85) more likely, respectively, to belong to a higher BMI z-score quartile. Conclusions Shorter sleep is associated with a higher BMI z-score in South African preschoolers, despite high levels of PA, with UL children appearing to be particularly vulnerable.

scholarly journals The development and investigation of the psychometric properties of a burnout scale within a South African agricultural research institution

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Doris N. Asiwe ◽  
Lené I. Jorgensen ◽  
Carin Hill
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Research Institution ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
New Instrument ◽  
Construct Equivalence

Orientation: Burnout of employees is well documented within South Africa, but researchers have adapted imported instruments with a number of limitations. Therefore there is a need to develop a new instrument suitable for use in South Africa.Research purpose: To give an overview of current burnout measures, identify gaps within the literature and develop a new burnout scale for use within South Africa. The research examined the construct validity, reliability, construct equivalence and item bias of this new scale and investigated any differences that exist in relation to demographic variables.Motivation for the study: This study aimed to address various limitations regarding existing measures by developing a reliable and valid instrument for measuring burnout in South African employees that includes cognitive, physical and emotional (affective) components.Research approach, design and method: This empirical, quantitative research study delivered a cross-sectional survey, including the burnout scale and a biographical data questionnaire, to 443 employees of an agricultural research institution. Items for the burnout scale were written based on a literature review.Main findings: Exploratory factor analysis with target rotations resulted in a three-factor burnout model. Reliability analysis showed that all three scales (1) were sufficiently internally consistent and (2) showed construct equivalence for Black and White employees and speakers of Afrikaans and African languages. A practically significant difference in burnout levels was found in relation to age.Practical/managerial implications: The scale can be used to assess burnout for different cultural groups within research-based institutions.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to knowledge regarding the burnout levels of employees in an agricultural research institution in South Africa and provides a new burnout scale that can be utilised in similar institutions.

scholarly journals Relationship between Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study among Low-Income Housewives in Kuala Lumpur

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 6090
Author(s):  
Nur Zakiah Mohd Saat ◽  
Siti Aishah Hanawi ◽  
Nor M. F. Farah ◽  
Hazilah Mohd Amin ◽  
Hazlenah Hanafiah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Kuala Lumpur ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

Cardiovascular disease is a significant public health concern worldwide, including in Malaysia. Various attempts have been made to resolve this issue. One of the most important methods of controlling cardiovascular risk factors is physical exercise. However, today’s women, especially housewives, are often identified by a lack of physical activity. This is alarming to society, as cardiovascular disease can affect the quality of their life. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular risk factors among low-income housewives in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 63 housewives participated in this cross-sectional study. All participating housewives were asked to fill out a sociodemographic questionnaire and the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). To evaluate cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometric measurements and blood samples were taken. Findings showed that an average of 70.5 ± 232.4 min/week was spent on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), which indicated a low level of physical activity. Data showed that 90.5% of the subjects had low physical activity, 6.3% were moderate, and 3.2% were considered as having a high level of physical activity. For body mass index (BMI), 58.7% of the respondents were obese, 28.6% were overweight (29.10 ± 5.67 kg m–2), and 81.0% of subjects had a waist circumference (WC) value above the normal range (92.74 ± 16.40 cm). A two-way ANOVA test revealed significant mean differences between systolic blood pressure (mm/Hg) and age groups (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, there was a significant association between MVPA and cardiovascular risk factors using negative binomial regression (p < 0.01). The findings of this study highlight the need for health promotional programs to raise awareness, educate, and engage low-income housewives in lifestyle-enhancing behaviors.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional associations of physical activity and gross motor proficiency with adiposity in South African children of pre-school age

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 614-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine E Draper ◽  
Simone A Tomaz ◽  
Rachel A Jones ◽  
Trina Hinkley ◽  
Rhian Twine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
South African ◽  
Motor Skills ◽  
Low Income ◽  
High Income ◽  
School Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gross Motor ◽  
Gross Motor Skills ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractObjectiveThe study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity, gross motor skills and adiposity in South African children of pre-school age.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingHigh-income urban, and low-income urban and rural settings in South Africa.ParticipantsChildren (3–6 years old,n268) were recruited from urban high-income (n46), urban low-income (n91) and rural low-income (n122) settings. Height and weight were measured to calculate the main outcome variables: BMI and BMI-for-ageZ-score (BAZ). Height-for-age and weight-for-ageZ-scores were also calculated. Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers were used to objectively measure physical activity; the Test of Gross Motor Development (Version 2) was used to assess gross motor skills.ResultsMore children were overweight/obese and had a higher BAZ from urban low-income settings compared with urban high-income settings and rural low-income settings. Being less physically active was associated with thinness, but not overweight/obesity. Time spent in physical activity at moderate and vigorous intensities was positively associated with BMI and BAZ. Gross motor proficiency was not associated with adiposity in this sample.ConclusionsThe findings of this research highlight the need for obesity prevention particularly in urban low-income settings, as well as the need to take into consideration the complexity of the relationship between adiposity, physical activity and gross motor skills in South African pre-school children.

scholarly journals Primary school teachers’ opinions and attitudes towards stuttering in two South African urban education districts

2016 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristen Abrahams ◽  
Michal Harty ◽  
Kenneth O. St. Louis ◽  
Lehana Thabane ◽  
Harsha Kathard
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Primary School ◽  
South African ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intervention Process ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Teachers Attitudes

Background: As teachers form an important part of the intervention process with childrenwho stutter in primary school, the primary aim was to describe primary school teachers’attitudes in South Africa. The secondary aim was to compare teachers’ attitudes towardsstuttering in South Africa with those from a pooled group of respondents in the Public OpinionSurvey of Human Attributes–Stuttering (POSHA-S) database from different countries collectedin 2009–2014.Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey research design was used. Primary schools intwo education districts in Western Cape, South Africa, were sampled. The POSHA-S, a selfadministeredquestionnaire, was completed by a cluster sample of 469 participants.Results: Overall positive attitudes towards stuttering were found, specifically related to thepotential of people who stutter, although the result should be interpreted with caution as thesample was not homogenously positive. Teachers still had misconceptions about personalitystereotypes and the cause of stuttering. The attitudes of the South African sample were slightlymore positive compared with the samples in the current POSHA-S database.Conclusion: When developing stuttering intervention strategies, there are a number of keyconsiderations to take into account. The study provides a basis for speech-language therapiststo think about intervention with teachers and which areas of stuttering to consider.

Objectively Measured Physical Activity in South African Children Attending Preschool and Grade R: Volume, Patterns, and Meeting Guidelines

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 150-156
Author(s):  
Simone A. Tomaz ◽  
Trina Hinkley ◽  
Rachel A. Jones ◽  
Rhian Twine ◽  
Kathleen Kahn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
South African ◽  
Low Income ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Vigorous Intensity ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Formal School ◽  
Objectively Measured Physical Activity

Purpose: To assess physical activity (PA) and determine the proportion of preschoolers meeting PA recommendations in different income settings in South Africa. Methods: Preschoolers from urban high-income (UH), urban low-income (UL), and rural low-income (RL) settings wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer for 7 days. PA variables of interest included volume moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) and total PA (light- to vigorous-intensity PA), hourly PA patterns, and percentage of children meeting guidelines (180 min/d of total PA, inclusive of 60 min/d of MVPA). Between-sex differences were assessed using t tests and Mann–Whitney U tests; between-setting differences assessed using 1-way analyses of variance and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: For all children (n = 229, aged 5.17 [0.69] y), average MVPA was 124.4 (37.5) minutes per day and total PA was 457.0 (61.1) minutes per day; 96.9% of children met guidelines. Boys did significantly more MVPA than girls (136.7 [39.37] vs 111.5 [30.70] min/d, P < .001), and UH preschoolers were significantly less active than UL and RL preschoolers (UH 409.1 [48.4] vs UL 471.1 [55.6] and RL 461.6 [61.4], P < .001). Conclusion: In both practice and research, it is necessary to explore ways to ensure that South African preschoolers from all income settings continue to engage in and benefit from healthy volumes of PA. This is especially important as preschoolers transition to a formal school environment.

scholarly journals Relationships among Physical Activity, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Weight Stigma in Children in Hong Kong

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 828-842
Author(s):  
Ruckwongpatr Kamolthip ◽  
Xavier C. C. Fung ◽  
Chung-Ying Lin ◽  
Janet D. Latner ◽  
Kerry S. O'Brien
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Weight Stigma ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Relationship

Objectives: Our objective in this study was to establish the relationships among active and inactive physical activity, HRQoL, and weight stigma in children. Additionally, we investigated weight stigma as a mediator of the relationship between physical activity and HRQoL.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Hong Kong (June 2017-July 2018). Participants were 437 children in elementary school (2 primary schools and 2 non-governmental organizations) and their parents (dyads). Participants completed questionnaires containing items assessing demographic characteristics, physical activity level, and several HRQoL measures.Results: We found a statistically significant difference between a higher physically activity group (exercise > 2 hours/week) in all measures of HRQoL. Weight stigma had a significant mediating effect on the relationship between physical activity and child-rated HRQoL (Coefficient = -0.37; SE=0.05; t = 8.21; p < .001), parent-rated HRQoL (Coefficient = -0.16; SE = 0.04; t = 4.21; p < .001), and child-rated weight-related QoL (Coefficient = -0.56; SE = 0.04; t = 14.92; p < .001). Conclusions: Physical activity was associated with better HRQoL and lower weight stigma. Weight stigma appears to affect how physical activity is related to better HRQoL, but the association is somewhat weak.

Relationship of Scabies With Pioderma: As a Risk Factor

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-42
Author(s):  
Yulia Farida Yahya ◽  
Fifa Argentina ◽  
Rusmawardiana Rusmawardiana
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Elementary School ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Group A Streptococcus ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Government ◽  
Scabies Infestation

Scabies is a parasitic infestation of the skin, that is affecting on the low income and crowded community in many tropical countries, especially developing countries such as Indonesia. Scabies infestation increases the incidence of secondary pyoderma include impetigo, folliculitis, cellulitis, ecthyma, abscess. Secondary pyoderma is a skin infection disease mainly caused by     group A Streptococcus (GAS) and Staphylococcus aureus (SA). Pyoderma is a risk factor for the glomerulonephritis infection, rheumatic diseases, which significantly increases morbidity and mortality, causing the government burden. The aim of this study is  determining the etiology and correlation of pyoderma infection in scabies patient. To determine sosio-demographic included sex, age in pediatric patients in primary schools (SD) in the district of Kertapati Palembang. The study design was cross sectional, and study samples were new scabies patients in the elementary school (age 6-14-year-old) with or without pyoderma. Clinical findings included history, physical examination and diagnostic procedure, which was investigation of skin scraping specimen material (SSB = skin surface biopsy) in confirmation with dermoscopic polar examination (DS) to show Sarcoptes scabiei mites. Microbiological examination with Gram stain identified the etiology of pyoderma.  Results of this study shows that there was a significance relationship between scabies infestation and pyoderma in children in elementary school. Staphylococcus aureus dan GAS are the most common caused of pyoderma in pediatric patients with scabies. Conclusion is there is a significant correlation between scabies and pyoderma. There is  a need to provide scabies and pyoderma medication at primary care health center as well as counseling for prevention in Palembang area with crowded population periodically.  

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