Building Support for Place-Based Solutions to Childhood Obesity: Findings From Missouri

2021 ◽  
pp. 109019812199038
Author(s):  
Tamara Vehige Calise ◽  
Amanda Ryder ◽  
Jenette Spezeski ◽  
Katherine Tong ◽  
Natalie Spitzer ◽  
...  

Background Place-based efforts offer promise in reducing childhood obesity. Yet, lack of public demand and support may hinder implementation. Aims This study aimed to assess whether the emphasis on place-based solutions, community-wide strategies, and multisector engagement in the Healthy Schools Healthy Communities (HSHC) initiative would shift public views on obesity including the need for greater public involvement and an increase in awareness and support for strategies. Method As part of the evaluation, two surveys were conducted—in 2014 and 2016—to examine the relationship between HSHC strategies and changes in public perception, support, and awareness of obesity. Both surveys were cross-sectional and conducted with a randomized sample of households. Results Most respondents indicated that parents/family (84.3% in 2014; 87.8% in 2016) and children (70.9% in 2014; 74.8% in 2016) had a large/very large responsibility for addressing childhood obesity. A higher percentage of 2016 respondents indicated willingness to work with others to increase availability of healthy foods (71.3% vs. 64.2%, respectively; p = .0280) and increase the number of places to be physically active in their community (71.1% vs. 60.7%, respectively; p = .0015). Discussion Findings suggest awareness and support of place-based efforts and willingness to engage may help garner ongoing support. However, individuals and families are still perceived as primarily responsible for addressing childhood obesity. Countering this mindset remains an ongoing challenge. Conclusion Streamlined messaging regarding the issue and associated solutions, enhanced skills and capacity to implement these efforts, and citizen engagement to garner support for place-based initiatives are important.

Cephalalgia ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 1292-1297 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Varkey ◽  
K Hagen ◽  
J-A Zwart ◽  
M Linde

The aim of this study was to evaluate, using a prospective and a cross-sectional design, the relationship between level of physical activity and migraine and non-migraine headache. In the prospective part, 22 397 participants, not likely to have headache, answered questions about physical activity at baseline (19841986) and responded to a headache questionnaire at follow-up. In the cross-sectional part (1995-1997), 46 648 participants answered questions about headache and physical activity. Physically inactive individuals at baseline were more likely than active individuals to have non-migraine headache 11 years later (odds ratio 1.14, 95± confidence interval 1.02, 1.28). In the cross-sectional analyses, low physical activity was associated with higher prevalence of migraine and non-migraine headache. In both headache groups, there was a strong linear trend ( P< 0.001) of higher prevalence of ‘low physical activity’ with increasing headache frequency. The result may indicate that physical inactivity among headache-free individuals is a risk factor for non-migraine headache and that individuals with headache are less physically active than those without headache.


2010 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth L. Cameron ◽  
Michele L. Duffey ◽  
Thomas M. DeBerardino ◽  
Paul D. Stoneman ◽  
Christopher J. Jones ◽  
...  

Abstract Context: Little is known about the relationship among sex, generalized joint hypermobility, and glenohumeral joint instability. Objective: To examine the relationship among sex, generalized joint hypermobility scores, and a history of glenohumeral joint instability within a young, physically active cohort and to describe the incidence of generalized joint hypermobility within this population. Design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Setting: United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Patients or Other Participants: Of the 1311 members of the entering freshman class of 2010, 1050 (80%) agreed to participate. Main Outcome Measure(s): Generalized joint hypermobility was assessed using the Beighton Scale. A history of glenohumeral joint instability was identified via a baseline questionnaire. Results: Most participants (78%) had no signs of generalized joint hypermobility. Only 11 volunteers (1.5%) had Beighton Scale scores of 4 or greater. Logistic regression analysis revealed a relationship between generalized joint hypermobility and a history of glenohumeral joint instability (P  =  .023). When sex and race were controlled, those with a total Beighton Scale score of ≥2 were nearly 2.5 times as likely (odds ratio  =  2.48, 95% confidence interval  =  1.19, 5.20, P  =  .016) to have reported a history of glenohumeral joint instability. A relationship was observed between sex and nearly all individual Beighton Scale items. Although women had higher total Beighton Scale scores than men, sex (P  =  .658) and race (P  =  .410) were not related to a history of glenohumeral joint instability when other variables in the model were controlled. Conclusions: In these participants, generalized joint hypermobility and a history of glenohumeral joint instability were associated.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman Matveev ◽  
Chris I. Ardern

Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition commonly associated with mobility restriction and reduced activity. To date, the extent to which arthritis is an independent risk factor for stroke is unclear, and important, in light of an aging population. The purpose of this study was to (i) quantify the cross-sectional association between stroke and arthritis and (ii) to determine whether the relationship differed in physically active and inactivemiddle-aged and older adults. Data was derived from the 2010 Canadian Community Health Survey (N=47 188;≥30 y). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between arthritis and stroke in models adjusted for age, physical activity (PA), and demographic factors. Overall, individuals with arthritis were 4 times more likely to report a history of stroke (OR=3.8, 95% CI = 3.06–4.68), whereas those who were engaged in at least moderate PA (≥ 1.5 kcal/kg/day) were less than half as likely (0.45, 0.92−0.62). This effect was moderated by age, as younger (30–65 y: 3.27, 2.22–4.83) but not older adults (>65 y: 1.04, 0.8–1.35) with arthritis had elevated odds of stroke. Both physical inactivity and arthritis are associated with higher odds of stroke, effects of which are the strongest amongst 30–65 year olds.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas M. Puricelli Perin ◽  
Leah Frerichs ◽  
Sergio Costa ◽  
Amelie G. Ramirez ◽  
Terry T.-K. Huang

A cross-sectional survey was administered to Latino and White residents of Omaha, NE, to assess perception of the childhood obesity problem, attribution of responsibility, and support for obesity-related policies. The sample included 40.8% (n=271) Latinos and 59.2% (n=393) Whites. Among Latinos, 25% did not see childhood obesity as a problem, compared to 6% of Whites (P<0.001). This difference persisted after adjusting for age, gender, and education level (odds ratio (OR) 2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–4.14). Latinos were more likely to agree that government was responsible for addressing childhood obesity compared to Whites (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.82–4.35). Higher support for policy interventions was observed among individuals who perceived childhood obesity as a big problem compared to those who did not, independent of race, sex, age, or education level. The relationship between support for tax-based policies and perception of the childhood obesity problem was mainly evident among Latinos rather than Whites. Despite city-wide efforts to address obesity, differential penetration in community subgroups appears evident. There is room to further engage Latinos in the cause of obesity. Deepening community awareness about the consequences and complexity of childhood obesity can lead to stronger support for childhood obesity policy interventions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Borg ◽  
D Cauchi ◽  
N Calleja ◽  
C Gauci

Abstract Background The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity is increasing worldwide, with Malta having one of the highest rates among European countries. Childhood obesity is likely to track into adulthood, and can have multiple physical and psychological health outcomes. It also causes a substantial economic burden on society. A cross-sectional study that aimed to identify barriers to maintaining a healthy weight among children attending primary school, and to assess the level of support for a range of policies aimed at addressing childhood obesity as expressed by their parents/guardians, was conducted in Malta. Methods Data were collected using a paper-based questionnaire that was distributed to a stratified random sample of parents whose children attended free State schools, subsidised Church schools and fee-paying Independent primary schools in Malta and Gozo in 2018. Data were analysed using SPSSv25. Results Responses from 1169 parents were received. There was a dissonance between the most common barriers identified, that were primarily related to the food environment, and the policies that received the most support. Providing more spaces for safe physical activity was the most supported policy (94% in favour). Participants were least supportive of taxation policies, a phenomenon also observed in other countries. The level of support for policies varied significantly by various demographic and socioeconomic factors. Conclusions Recommendations were developed to inform future policies and strategies to address obesity. Policymakers need to take bold, possibly controversial decisions to mitigate against the barriers faced by the population in accessing healthy food and being physically active. Given the globalised nature of media advertising and the food system, a joint international effort is necessary to address this epidemic, such as stricter audio-visual media advertising regulations, food reformulation and mandatory standardised food labels. Key messages The majority of participants supported most of the proposed policies to address obesity. Taxation policies received the least support. Most policies supported are trans-sectoral, therefore a health-in-all policies approach and international collaboration are necessary.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (21) ◽  
pp. 5061
Author(s):  
Cezary Kuśnierz ◽  
Aleksandra Maria Rogowska ◽  
Aleksandra Kwaśnicka ◽  
Dominika Ochnik

Previous research showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on the wellbeing and lifestyle of populations worldwide, including eating and physical activity (PA) patterns. The present study aims to examine the mediating effect of orthorexia on the relationship between PA and fear of COVID-19. A sample of 473 university students from Poland of a mean age of 22 years (M = 22.04, SD = 2.90, 47% of women) participated in the cross-sectional online survey study. Continuous variables were measured using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and the Test of Orthorexia Nervosa (TON-17), while categorical variables divided participants into the physically active and inactive group regarding WHO criteria (150 min per week). Weak gender differences were found. Active people showed lower fear of COVID-19 and higher orthorexia scores than those inactive. Orthorexia was found as a suppressor variable, which increases the negative predictive value of PA on fear of COVID-19. The model of cooperative suppression explained 7% of FCV-19S. The mechanism of mediation showed that health-related behavior could help reduce fear of COVID-19, but caution is necessary for people with addictive behavior tendencies. Universities should support university students by offering programs focused on increasing healthy lifestyles and improving wellbeing.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 144
Author(s):  
Alena Buková ◽  
Magdaléna Hagovská ◽  
Petra Tomková ◽  
Klaudia Zusková ◽  
Peter Takáč ◽  
...  

(1) Background: Joint and back pain are enormous and important clinical and public health problems that significantly affect people of all ages. Although the epidemiology of pain in the general population is well documented, less information is available in athletes. While in the general population joint and back pain have predominantly functional origin, in athletes, pain is a consequence of not only functional, but very often structural changes in the spine, joints, and related tissues. Depending on the sports specialization, character of the training activity, exercises, training load, and many other factors, athletes are exposed to various injuries accompanied by pain. (2) Aim: This study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence of spinal and limb injuries, and back pain and joint pain among athletes of various specializations. A questionnaire survey on back pain, quality of life, and physical activity will be used to collect data from Slovak athletes. The outcomes of the survey will be compared to a physically active group. This article presents a study protocol that aims to evaluate the relationship between back pain and injury prevalence in athletes of various specializations.


Author(s):  
Sabrina G. M. O. Rocha ◽  
Hermano A. L. Rocha ◽  
Álvaro J. M. Leite ◽  
Márcia M. T. Machado ◽  
Ana C. Lindsay ◽  
...  

Childhood obesity is now an epidemic in many countries worldwide and is known to be a multifactorial condition. We aimed to examine the relationship of environmental, socioeconomic, and nutritional factors with childhood overweight and obesity. We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study of children from 2 to 6 years of age in Ceará, Brazil. Children’s nutritional status was assessed by body mass index (BMI) Z scores categorized as overweight and obesity. Ordinal logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between the factors with overweight and obesity. A total of 2059 children participated, of which 50.4% were male. The mean age was 46 ± 17 months, with a prevalence of overweight and obesity of 12.0% (95% CI 10.7–13.6) and 8.0% (6.7–9.5), respectively. In multivariate analysis, the probability of childhood obesity increased as family income increased (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.6 (95% CI 0.37–0.95), p-value = 0.03). Moreover, families with fewer children had more than 30% fewer overweight children (aHR 0.68; 95% CI 0.48–0.96). Environmental, socioeconomic, and child nutritional factors were associated with overweight and obesity. The results provided could be used to design integrated interventions spanning from conception, or earlier, through the first years of life and may improve child nutritional outcomes.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  

Physical activity ties tight with our daily living. It defines as the bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that involve energy expenditure [1]. According to WHO, it is recommended young adult should do at least 150-minute moderate to intensity PA or 75-minute aerobic vigorous to intensity PA throughout a week. The advantages of staying physically active have solid evidences supported. There, however, is a poor practice in PA in tertiary education students globally. It is stated that more than 80% of theadolescent population in the world is not enough physically active [1]. It is believed that students in Hong Kong are getting not enough physically active as well. Remedying this plight not only in the view of personal benefits but a global health issue. It, therefore, is a high time to investigate the relationship between perceived barriers and PA behavior among tertiary education students in Hong Kong.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asiye Tuba Ozdagar ◽  
Turhan Kahraman ◽  
Serkan Ozakbas ◽  
Anat Achiron ◽  
Alon Kalron

Abstract Background Examining physical activity in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) from different environmental backgrounds might increase understanding and awareness of inactivity in PwMS.Objectives To compare the level of physical activity in PwMS in Israel and Turkey and to examine the relationship between the level of physical activity with common disease-related symptoms and demographical characteristics of PwMS. Methods Cross-sectional data collected by two centers were combined. The physical activity level was determined by the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire, and subsequently, classified into one of three subgroups: "active", "moderately active" and "insufficiently active". Logistic regressions determined the risks of insufficiently active PwMS, according to age, gender, body mass index, disability, impact of walking impairment, disease duration, type of MS and perceived fatigue. The analysis of variance test determined the differences between countries in terms of outcome variables.Results The study comprised 458 patients from Israel and 575 from Turkey; 68.2% Turkish PwMS were classified as insufficiently active compared with 52.0% of Israeli PwMS. The percentage of insufficiently active PwMS was significantly higher in those categorized as fatigued compared to non-fatigued in the total cohort (72.4% vs. 51.9%, p<0.001) and in each country separately. Based on the regression analysis, fatigue was the main factor associated with the insufficiently physically active group; odds ratio=1.968. Interpretation PwMS with increased fatigue tend to be physically inactive compared with the non-fatigued. This observation is supported by the merged data collected from two countries, Turkey and Israel, representing PwMS from different environmental backgrounds.


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