scholarly journals Geography Influences Dietary Intake, Physical Activity and Weight Status of Adolescents

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shauna M. Downs ◽  
Shawn N. Fraser ◽  
Kate E. Storey ◽  
Laura E. Forbes ◽  
John C. Spence ◽  
...  

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to assess rural and urban differences in the dietary intakes, physical activity levels and weight status of a large sample of Canadian youth in both 2005 and 2008.Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study of rural and urban adolescents (n=10,023) in Alberta was conducted in both 2005 and 2008 using a web-based survey.Results. There was an overall positive change in nutrient intakes between 2005 and 2008; however, rural residents generally had a poorer nutrient profile than urban residents (P<.001). They consumed less fibre and a greater percent energy from saturated fat. The mean physical activity scores increased among rural youth between 2005 and 2008 (P<.001), while remaining unchanged among urban youth. Residence was significantly related to weight status in 2005 (P=.017), but not in 2008.Conclusion. Although there were small improvements in nutrient intakes from 2005 to 2008, several differences in the lifestyle behaviours of adolescents living in rural and urban areas were found. The results of this study emphasize the importance of making policy and program recommendations to support healthy lifestyle behaviours within the context of the environments in which adolescents live.

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 904-913 ◽  
Author(s):  
Léonie N Dapi ◽  
Agneta Hörnell ◽  
Urban Janlert ◽  
Hans Stenlund ◽  
Christel Larsson

AbstractObjectiveTo assess energy and nutrient intakes and physical activity of adolescents in urban Cameroon according to sex and socio-economic status (SES).DesignCross-sectional study with adolescents randomly selected from schools in low-, middle- and high-SES areas. Weight and height were measured and information about food intake and physical activity was obtained through repeated individual 24 h recalls. Under- and over-reporting of energy intake and inadequacy of nutrient intake were assessed.SettingYaoundé, Cameroon.SubjectsBoys and girls aged 12–16 years (n227).ResultsBoys had a lower BMI and reported higher energy expenditures and physical activity levels (PAL) than girls. Under-reporting of energy intake was large among boys and girls regardless of PAL; boys under-reported more than girls. Among those with low PAL, over-reporting of energy intake was common. Over 50 % of boys and girls had protein below the recommendations. The intake of fat varied; 26 % of the adolescents were below and 25 % were above the recommendations. Inadequate intakes of vitamin B1, vitamin B3and Fe were more common among girls, while boys more often had inadequate intake of vitamin A. Adolescents with low SES were more likely to be below the recommendations for fat and vitamins B2, B3, B6and B12than those with high SES.ConclusionsA high proportion of boys and girls reported inadequate intakes. However under- and over-reporting were also very common. Boys under-reported energy intake more than girls and inadequate nutrient intake was more frequently reported by adolescents with low SES than by those with high SES.


2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (9) ◽  
pp. 971-976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Tucker ◽  
Alana M. Maltby ◽  
Shauna M. Burke ◽  
Leigh M. Vanderloo ◽  
Jennifer D. Irwin

Establishing appropriate physical activity and sedentary behaviours during early childhood is important to ensure children accrue the many associated health benefits. While physical activity levels have been reported as low within early learning programs, little research has explored the physical activity and sedentary time of Canadian preschoolers classified as overweight within these facilities. The purpose of this study was to compare objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time among preschoolers classified as overweight and nonoverweight in early learning programs. Direct assessment of physical activity and sedentary time of 216 preschool-aged children was collected via Actical accelerometers during early learning hours, while body mass index percentile was calculated based on preschoolers’ objectively measured height and weight. Results of three 3-way ANOVAs suggest that rates of moderate to vigorous physical activity, total physical activity, and sedentary time (p > 0.05) did not significantly differ based on weight status, sex, and type of early learning facility. This study is one of few that has examined differences in overweight and nonoverweight preschoolers’ sedentary time, and adds to the limited research exploring physical activity levels among overweight and nonoverweight preschoolers during early learning hours. Given the high rates of sedentary time reported, programming within early learning facilities is necessary to support preschoolers, regardless of weight status, to achieve increased physical activity levels and decreased sedentary time.


Author(s):  
Chaitanya Patil ◽  
Manjusha Dhoble ◽  
Alka Kaware

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.  


2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 182
Author(s):  
Maria Mexitalia ◽  
Hendriani Sellina ◽  
Mohammad Syarofil Anam ◽  
Aya Yoshimura ◽  
Taro Yamauchi ◽  
...  

Background: The differences in geographic, sosioeconomic and lifestyle between children in rural and urban areas infl uence their nutritional status. The urban children tended to be less active. The evidence suggested that physical activity improves cardiorespiratory fi tness and mental health in young people but study that compare those indicators among rural and urban children was scarce.Objective: To compare the nutritional status, physical fi tness, and quality of life between elementary school children in rural and urban areas.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Semarang (urban) and Mlonggo (rural) Central Java in 2009. Inclusion criteria was school children aged 9-11 years and had no physical disability. Body composition was measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, physical activity by Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), physical fi tness by 20-m shuttle run test and quality of life by Pediatrics Quality of Life Questionnaire (PedQoL 4.0). The differences between nutritional status and physical activity were assessed by Chi Square test, while the differences between physical fi tness and quality of life were tested by independent t test (p<0.05).Result: One hundred sixty-two subjects were enrolled in the study (Semarang 82 students; 36 boys, 46 girls and Mlonggo 80 students; 40 boys, 40 girls). Body mass index (18.97 vs 15.16 kg/m2) and body fat (26.03% vs 18.03%) of urban children were higher than that of the rural’s (p<0.001). Children in rural area were signifi cantly more active, have higher physical fi tness level (VO2 max 28.54±1.79 ml/kg/min vs 21.57+1.79 ml/kg/min) (p<0.01), and have higher score in quality of life (2243 + 295,8) compared to the children from urban area (2133 + 369.4) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Rural school children have lower nutritional status than urban children, but they are more active and have higher physical fi tness level. They also have better quality of life.


2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 394-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gavin Breslin ◽  
Diana Gossrau-Breen ◽  
Naomi McCay ◽  
Gillian Gilmore ◽  
Lindsay MacDonald ◽  
...  

Background:The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity and wellbeing in children, and to further explore the extent to which this may vary by gender and weight status.Method:A representative sample of 1424 9- to 11-year-olds completed a self-report measure of physical activity, the Child Health and Illness Profile, KIDSCREEN, and a self-esteem scale. Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements were also obtained.Results:24% of children achieved the recommended level of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) per day, with more boys than girls achieving this level. Children achieving the recommended level of MVPA scored significantly higher on measures of the Child Health and Illness Profile (F(5, 1354) = 5.03; P < .001), KIDSCREEN (F(3, 1298) = 4.68; P = .003), and self-esteem (F(1, 1271) = 18.73; P = .003) than less active children although the effect sizes were small (ηp2 ≈ .01). Substantial gender differences in wellbeing were found reflecting gender specific behaviors and socialization. Weight status had negligible influence on wellbeing.Conclusions:Children who meet the recommended guidelines of MVPA were more likely to have better wellbeing. When attempting to raise children’s physical activity levels consideration should be given to the specific relationships between wellbeing and physical activity.


2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert M. Ojiambo ◽  
Chris Easton ◽  
Jose A. Casajús ◽  
Kenn Konstabel ◽  
John J. Reilly ◽  
...  

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.


Author(s):  
Wafaa Husain ◽  
Fatemah Ashkanani

Abstract Background The coronavirus pandemic has transformed and continues to transform and affect the daily lives of communities worldwide, particularly due to the lockdown restrictions. Therefore, this study was designed to understand the changes in dietary and lifestyle behaviours that are major determinants of health during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire using a convenience sample of 415 adults living in Kuwait (age range 18–73 years). Results The rate of skipping breakfast remained consistent, with a slight increase during the pandemic. Lunch remained the main reported meal before and during COVID-19. Compared to before COVID-19, people were much more likely have a late-night snack or meal during COVID-19 (OR = 3.57 (95% CI 1.79–7.26), p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a drastic decrease in the frequency of fast-food consumption during COVID-19, up to 82% reported not consuming fast food (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the percentage of participants who had their main meal freshly made (OR = 59.18 (95% CI 6.55–1400.76), p = 0.001). Regarding food group patterns, no significant differences were found before and during the pandemic in terms of the weekly frequency of consumption, except in the case of fish and seafood. There were no remarkable changes in beverage consumption habits among participants before and during the pandemic, except for Americano coffee and fresh juice. Furthermore, there was a great reduction in physical activity and an increase in the amount of screen time and sedentary behaviours. A notable increase was detected in day-time sleep and a decrease in night-time sleep among participants. Conclusion In general, this study indicates some changes in daily life, including changes in some eating practices, physical activity and sleeping habits during the pandemic. It is important that the government considers the need for nutrition education programmes and campaigns, particularly during this critical period of the pandemic in Kuwait.


2021 ◽  
pp. 003151252110284
Author(s):  
João Paulo de Aguiar Greca ◽  
Thomas Korff ◽  
Jennifer Ryan

Our aim in this study was to investigate the relationships between physical activity (PA), pain, and injury among children. Secondarily, we examined whether these relationships differed between children with normal versus excessive weight or obesity. This was a cross-sectional study of 102 children (57 girls) aged 8–12 years old. We assessed the prevalence of moderate and vigorous PA using accelerometry over a seven-day period. We examined the associations between moderate PA, vigorous PA, pain presence, and injury presence using generalized estimating equations with a logit link and binomial distribution. We adjusted the obtained models for potential confounders and explored the moderating effect of weight status. We found no association between moderate PA and pain, but time spent in vigorous PA was associated with pain. Neither moderate or vigorous PA were associated with injury, and there was no moderating effect of weight status in these relationships. In summary, we found that objectively measured vigorous PA is associated with pain among 8–12 year old children. While these results should be replicated in longitudinal studies, they suggest that an association between vigorous PA and pain should be considered when developing PA interventions for children.


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