Physical activity patterns and socio-demographic correlates of physical activity among medical undergraduates in Sri Lanka: an observational study

2017 ◽  
Vol 94 (1107) ◽  
pp. 32-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arjuna Medagama ◽  
Manoj Galgomuwa ◽  
Chinthani De Silva

BackgroundPhysical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for mortality worldwide and a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Medical undergraduates are a group of young adults expected to have a sound knowledge of the benefits of physical activity (PA) and have an active lifestyle.ObjectiveTo quantifyPA levels among medical undergraduates of a Sri Lankan university and to determine the socio-demographic correlates of physical inactivity.MethodsMedical undergraduates in their third, fourth and fifth years of study were recruited for this quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire.ResultsA total of 421 students were recruited. Overall 41% were physically inactive. Females (47%) were more inactive than males (34%). The total mean weekly metabolic equivalent (MET)-minutes was 1468.2±1873. Males (1676.2±1629) had a higher mean weekly MET minutes than females (1319±20102), p=0.05. 88% owned a portable internet device such as a smartphone or tablet. Students using health-related apps on their devices had significantly higherPA (p=0.01) and lower body mass index (BMI) (p=0.04), than those who did not. Binary logistic regression revealed physical inactivity to be significantly associated with gender (p=0.01), not using a health-promoting app on their portable device (p=0.01) and the year of study (p=0.03).ConclusionPhysical inactivity is a significant problem among medical undergraduates. The use of health applications was associated with a higher PA and lower BMI. The reasons for inactivity and the discrepancy in activity levels between males and females needs to be explored in greater detail.

2020 ◽  
pp. 095646242094299
Author(s):  
James Mugisha ◽  
Peter K Byansi ◽  
Eugene Kinyanda ◽  
Richard S Bbosa ◽  
Tine Van Damme ◽  
...  

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the prevalence of moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms and its association with physical activity in people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Uganda. Two hundred and ninety-five PLHIV (median [interquartile range] age = 37.0 years [16.0]; 200 women) completed the GAD-7, Physical Activity Vital Sign, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. An adjusted odds ratio for physical inactivity in people with moderate to severe GAD symptoms was calculated using binary logistic regression analyses. The prevalence of moderate to severe GAD symptoms was 9.1%. Those with moderate to severe GAD symptoms had a 16.8 times higher odds (95% CI = 5.0–55.9) for not complying with the physical activity recommendations. The current study shows that moderate to severe GAD symptoms are strongly associated with physical inactivity in PLHIV living in a country such as Uganda.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110403
Author(s):  
Reem S. AlOmar

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common worldwide. Recommendations to reduce discomfort often commence with increasing physical activity levels. In Saudi Arabia, levels of physical activity prior to the COVID-19 pandemic were low. This cross-sectional study aims at estimating the prevalence of MSDs among Saudi physicians, as well as determining the pattern and level of physical activity post lockdown and examining their association. Methods: Physical activity levels were assessed via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and MSDs were assessed via the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Chi-squared tests with significance levels of <.05 were performed to explore bivariate associations. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were given by binary logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 3492 physicians participated in this study, and over half of them (63.55%) reported low physical activity. Risk of MSDs increased with aging and with increasing BMI ( P for trend <.05). Females were more likely to report MSDs (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.07-1.86), as well as physicians with a chronic condition (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.24-1.37) and those who work in shifts (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.03-1.37). Moderate activity conferred a non-significant protective effect (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.79-1.13), whilst high physical activity had a non-significant increased risk of MSDs in this population. Conclusion: Physical activity in this population is astonishingly low, while prevalence of MSDs is relatively high. Significant factors include age, sex, shift work, and the presence of chronic conditions. Current results warrant the consideration of preventive measures for physicians.


Author(s):  
Consuelo Gonzalez-Suarez ◽  
Andrea Pera ◽  
Maria Medalla ◽  
Hernani Lopez ◽  
Xavier Villanueva ◽  
...  

An active lifestyle among children and adolescents plays an important role in their normal growth and development. However, studies from different countries have shown a decreasing participation of children in physical activity. In the Philippines, very little is known of adolescent’s involvement in physical activity. Objective: To determine the physical activity (PA) levels using pedometers of the adolescents in Metromanila and factors associated with the level of physical activity. Method: This study is a cross sectional study assessing physical activity patterns using the Yamax Pedometer (SW-200) of adolescents in a selected school in Metromanila. Results: A total of 90 males (15.17 ±1.38; BMI =21.69 ± 4.6 kg/m2) and 78 females (14.85 ± 1.19; BMI = 21.89 ± 4.9 kg/m2) participated in the study. Males had a mean number of steps 10,933.18 ± 4189.5/day while females had a mean of 8307.47 ± 4767.45 steps/day, with males having a significantly higher mean count (p value =0.002). Being male and regular physical exercise were factors associated with a higher pedometer count with a ß (SE) of -171.8 ± 744.1 (95% CI: -2941.3, - 2.5) and ß (SE) 775.6 ± 289.8 (95% CI: 203.4, 1347.8), respectively. Conclusion: Males were generally more active than female adolescents with females having a lower step count compared to studies from other countries. Participation in regular physical activity should be encouraged to prevent the increasing prevalence of lifestyle related diseases.


2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 1199-1206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Giulliano Destro Christofaro ◽  
Rômulo Araújo Fernandes ◽  
Catarina Martins ◽  
Enio Ricardo Vaz Ronque ◽  
Manuel João Coelho-e-Silva ◽  
...  

This study evaluated the prevalence of physical activity through the practice of sports in adolescents from schools in two Brazilian cities and a Portuguese school, and its association with independent variables, such as gender and age. A cross-sectional study was conducted of schoolchildren from two cities in Brazil and one in Portugal. The total study sample was 3694 subjects (1622 males and 1872 females). Physical activity levels were assessed using Baecke's questionnaire. Body weight was measured on electronic scales and stature was measured with a portable wooden stadiometer. Numerical variables were expressed as mean, categorical variables were expressed as percentages and the chi-square test analyzed associations. The prevalence of no sport was high (39.7%), being higher in the Portuguese school than in the Brazilian schools (p < 0.001). Irrespective of being an adolescent in a Brazilian or Portuguese school, boys showed higher engagement in sports practice than girls (p < 0.001). In both, differences were identified between adolescents aged 13 to 15 (P = 0.001) and 16 to 17 (P = 0.001). The prevalence of physical inactivity among schoolchildren from two cities in Brazil and a school in Portugal was high, with the girls practicing less sport than the boys and with this imbalance likely to be higher in adolescents.


Author(s):  
Katarzyna Kwiatkowska ◽  
Katarzyna Kosińska-Kaczyńska ◽  
Izabela Walasik ◽  
Agnieszka Osińska ◽  
Iwona Szymusik

Background: No specific physical activity guidelines are available for women in multiple pregnancy. Aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and experience of women regarding physical activity during their latest twin pregnancy. Methods: A cross-sectional study including women after a twin delivery was conducted in Poland. A questionnaire was distributed in 2018 via web pages and Facebook groups designed for pregnant women. Results: 652 women filled out the questionnaire completely. Only 25% of women performed any physical exercises during twin gestation. The frequency of preterm delivery was similar in physically active and non-active participants. 35% of the respondents claimed to have gained information on proper activity from obstetricians during antenatal counselling while 11% claimed to be unable to identify the reliable sources of information. 7% of women admitted to feel discriminated by social opinion on exercising during a twin pregnancy. Conclusions: The population of women with a twin gestation is not sufficiently physically active and is often discouraged from performing exercises during gestation. Therefore, it is crucial to inform obstetricians to recommend active lifestyle during a twin gestation and to provide reliable information on physical activity to pregnant women. Further research on this topic is necessary in order for obstetric providers to counsel women on appropriate exercise with a twin pregnancy.


Retos ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 274-282
Author(s):  
Leonardo Intelangelo ◽  
Nacim Molina Gutiérrez ◽  
Nicolás Bevacqua ◽  
Cristian Mendoza ◽  
Iris Paola Guzmán-Guzmán ◽  
...  

Objective: to determine lifestyle changes, such as physical activity, nutrition, and sleep in an Argentinean university population, caused by confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional study via web survey. 1021 the Argentinean university population (women, n = 645 and men, n = 376) aged between 18–70 years old was participate. Survey was utilized to measure participant physical activity behavior, nutrition, and sleep April to May 2020. Results: the main findings revealed that 4.3% of the sample showed obesity; the highest proportion of the sample stayed more than 6 hours in a sedentary status; 21.74% reported bad sleep quality; a reduction in good feeding pattern; and an increase in subjects who do not perform physical activity. According to socio-demographic and anthropometric factors, being a student (OR 2.19, CI95% 1.18 - 4, p= .012), overweight (OR 1.71, CI95% 1.19 – 2.44, p= .003), obesity (OR 4.45, CI95% 2.27 – 8.7, p< .001), and have been confined more than 45 days was associated with bad feeding. Likewise, low physical activity levels were associated with obesity (OR 3.2 CI95% 1.66 – 6.18, p= .001), being female (OR 1.61, CI95% 1.14 –2.28, p= .006) and get married (OR 1.72, CI95% 1.14 – 2.61, p= .009). Moreover, being a student was associated with poor sleep quality (OR 43.6, CI95%5.4 – 350, p< .001). Conclusion: This study suggests that confinement decreased healthy living habits such as good nutrition and physical activity and affected the quality of sleep in young subjects.  Resumen. Objetivo: determinar los cambios en el estilo de vida, como la actividad física, la nutrición y el sueño en una población universitaria argentina, causados por el confinamiento durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio transversal mediante encuesta por Internet. Participaron 1021 personas de la población universitaria argentina (mujeres, n = 645 y hombres, n = 376) de entre 18 y 70 años de edad. La encuesta fue utilizada para medir el comportamiento de la actividad física, la nutrición y el sueño de los participantes de abril a mayo de 2020.Resultados: los principales hallazgos mostraron que el 4,3% de la muestra presentaba obesidad; la mayor proporción de la muestra permaneció más de 6 horas en estado sedentario; el 21,74% informó sobre la mala calidad del sueño; una reducción de los hábitos correctos de alimentación; y un aumento de los participantes que no realizan actividad física. De acuerdo con factores socio-demográficos y antropométricos, ser estudiante (OR 2.19, CI95% 1.18 - 4, p= .012), el sobrepeso (OR 1.71, CI95% 1.19 - 2.44, p= .003), la obesidad (OR 4.45, CI95% 2.27 - 8.7, p< .001), y haber estado confinado más de 45 días se asoció con una mala alimentación. Asimismo, los bajos niveles de actividad física se asociaron con la obesidad (OR 3,2; IC95% 1,66 - 6,18, p= .001), ser mujer (OR 1,61; IC95% 1,14 -2,28, p= .006) y estar casado (OR 1,72; IC95% 1,14 - 2,61, p= .009). Además, ser estudiante se asoció con una mala calidad de sueño (OR 43,6, CI95% 5,4 - 350, p< .001). Conclusión: Este estudio sugiere que el confinamiento disminuyó los hábitos de vida saludables como la buena nutrición, la actividad física, y afectó la calidad del sueño en sujetos jóvenes.


Author(s):  
Meriam El Ghardallou ◽  
Jihene Maatoug ◽  
Imed Harrabi ◽  
Sihem Ben Fredj ◽  
Sahli Jihene ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: A better understanding of socio-demographic characteristics of subgroups, which have a high risk to develop chronic diseases, is essential to develop more efficient interventional programs especially for youth. This study aimed to determine the association between clusters of non communicable diseases (NCDs’) risk factors and the socio-demographic characteristics among a sample of Tunisian school children. Materials and methods: We conducted, in 2013/2014, a cross-sectional study among a proportional and stratified school children sample, selected in 17 elementary public schools in Sousse (Tunisia). A cluster analysis was used to identify different NCDs risk factors clusters, based on tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and excess weight. Subsequent χ2-tests were used to identify differences between the NCDs risk factors clusters in regards to socio-demographic characteristics. Results: Four clusters of NCDs risk factors were found: 1) Cluster 1: physical inactivity behavior with normal weight, 2) Cluster 2: physical inactivity behavior associated to excess weight, 3) Cluster 3: unhealthy diet associated to excess weight and low practice of physical activity, and 4) Cluster 4: smoking behavior with physical activity behavior. The pattern of cluster membership differed across sex (<10–3), school level, and socioeconomic level (<10–3) but there was no significant difference between clusters for mother’s education levels and household tenure. Conclusion: This study can have important implications for health policy and practice. Indeed, it found that many subjects have simultaneous multiple NCDs risk factors which leads to identify groups at risk and implement integrated intervention program.


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