scholarly journals Exploring students’ experience with and perceptions towards eLearning in an online public health module

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlene Goh ◽  
Shuen Lin ◽  
Kit Yung Tan ◽  
Andre Matthias Müller
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Online Classes ◽  
Class Discussions ◽  
Depth Interviews

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, universities in Singapore had to shift from traditional face-toface learning to eLearning. We explored students’ experiences with and perceptions towards eLearning in the context of a public health module about physical activity. The module had a mixture of asynchronous lectures and live Zoom tutorials. We conducted nine in-depth interviews with students from the module. Students felt that the onus was primarily on the instructors to lead lessons and engage students. As such, they often took a backseat during online classes and rarely participated in class discussions. The eLearning environment enhanced their ability to be passive as they could be largely anonymous. The eLearning environment also made it easy to lose focus and mentally disconnect during lessons. Finally, students spoke about the lack of connection to classmates which impacted their learning efforts. To alleviate this and promote social engagement and connection, check-in polls, movement breaks, and breakout room discussions can be implemented.

Bridging Community, History, and Culture in Personal Informatics Tools

2022 ◽  
Vol 6 (GROUP) ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Aqueasha Martin-Hammond ◽  
Tanjala S. Purnell
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Personal Informatics ◽  
Informatics Tools

A healthy diet and increased physical activity are essential for reducing the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and related deaths, a worldwide public health concern that disproportionately affects Black American communities. Still, Black Americans can face unique challenges meeting dietary and physical activity requirements due to inequities in access and quality of care, environmental and local factors, and difficulties in changing individual health behaviors. Personal informatics and self-tracking tools are one way of increasing awareness of health behaviors to motivate behavior change. However, there are still gaps in knowledge about what encourages different users to engage with personal informatics tools over time, particularly when used in collaborative, community-health settings. This paper contributes a nuanced understanding of fifteen participants' reasons for engaging in an existing community-based health education and behavior change program that combines collaborative self-tracking with culturally relevant content and social engagement to motivate heart-healthy behaviors. We illustrate participants' positive and negative experiences engaging in self-tracking and collaborative tasks during the program. We also discuss how participants envision that integrating technology might support or hinder participant engagement and the work of deploying community-based public health interventions. Finally, we discuss design implications for culturally informed, community-based personal informatics tools that engage Black American's in heart-healthy activities.

scholarly journals Stakeholder perspectives on adapting and disseminating Ghana’s physical activity guidelines: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura E. Balis ◽  
Kwame Kesse Adjei ◽  
Solomon Nyame ◽  
Jones Opoku Mensah ◽  
Kwaku Poku Asante
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Relative Advantage ◽  
Culturally Appropriate ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Background Ghana is facing the public health “double burden” of both communicable and chronic diseases. To combat increased chronic disease prevalence, physical activity promotion efforts are necessary. The Ministry of Health (MOH) developed physical activity guidelines in 2009, but community members are unaware of the guidelines and sample activities (e.g., ballroom dancing) are not culturally appropriate. The purposes of this study were to investigate 1) dissemination of the physical activity guidelines through MOH and Ghana Health Service (GHS) and 2) culturally appropriate physical activities. Methods Data were collected in urban and rural areas of Ghana through focus groups (N = 2) with community representatives and in-depth interviews (N = 15) with GHS health workers. Focus group and interview questions included recommended types of physical activity; interview questions included dissemination factors based on Diffusion of Innovations. The research team analyzed the data through an inductive, grounded theory approach. Results Together, the focus groups and in-depth interviews generated 942 meaning units coded into themes of Physical Activity Perceptions (N = 337 meaning units), Suggested Physical Activities (N = 317), and Dissemination and Implementation Factors (N = 290). Participants had positive perceptions of physical activity but expressed concerns over individual abilities; barriers included the built environment and a lack of time. Suggested physical activities included walking, jogging, football, and dancing for adults; traditional games and football for youth, and walking and daily chores for older adults. Participants noted that guideline implementation was influenced by leadership engagement at multiple levels, relative advantage, and compatibility. Respondents suggested implementation strategies to resolve barriers, including involving partner organizations and developing an implementation plan. Participants were largely unaware of the physical activity guidelines; typical dissemination methods included written materials and the internet. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that physical activity guidelines should include familiar physical activities such as traditional games. Results also suggest that public health workers within GHS experience challenges in disseminating the physical activity guidelines. Adapting, disseminating, and implementing physical activity guidelines is a necessary step in increasing physical activity levels and preventing chronic diseases. These results contribute to understanding translation of physical activity policy to practice.

Recent Advances in Treatment of Childhood Obesity

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 1072-1078
Author(s):  
Walter Milano ◽  
Paola Ambrosio ◽  
Francesca Carizzone ◽  
Walter Di Munzio ◽  
Valeria De Biasio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Family Context ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Biological Factors ◽  
The Family

: Childhood obesity has assumed epidemic proportions and is currently one of the most widespread public health problems. Many are the factors involved in the pathogenesis of excess weight with interactions between genetic, environmental and biological factors and therefore, also the therapeutic approach must be multidisciplinary and multidimensional. In this review of the literature, we report the contiguity of childhood obesity with eating disorders and the importance of involving the family context in order to induce stable lifestyle changes, both in relation to dietary and nutritional habits, but also in increasing physical activity. Finally, among the therapeutic options, although for selected cases, pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery can be used as treatment strategies.

Physical activity patterns among walkers and compliance with public health recommendations

2002 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 1255-1261 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANN P. RAFFERTY ◽  
MATHEW J. REEVES ◽  
HARRY B. MCGEE ◽  
JAMES M. PIVARNIK
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Physical Activity Patterns

scholarly journals Qualitative study exploring the barriers to menstrual hygiene management faced by adolescents and young people with a disability, and their carers in the Kavrepalanchok district, Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Wilbur ◽  
Shubha Kayastha ◽  
Thérèse Mahon ◽  
Belen Torondel ◽  
Shaffa Hameed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene ◽  
Left Behind ◽  
Menstrual Hygiene Management ◽  
Hygiene Management ◽  
Purposeful Sampling ◽  
Educational Issue ◽  
Support Mechanisms ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Background Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is a recognised public health, social and educational issue, which must be achieved to allow the realisation of human rights. People with disabilities are likely to experience layers of discrimination when they are menstruating, but little evidence exists. Methods The study aims to investigate barriers to MHM that people with disabilities and their carers face in the Kavrepalanchok, Nepal, using qualitative methods. Twenty people with disabilities, aged 15–24, who menstruate and experience ‘a lot of difficulty’ or more across one or more of the Washington Group functional domains were included, as well as 13 carers who provide menstrual support to these individuals. Purposeful sampling was applied to select participants. Different approaches were used to investigating barriers to MHM and triangulate data: in-depth interviews, observation, PhotoVoice and ranking. We analysed data thematically, using Nvivo 11. Results Barriers to MHM experienced by people with disabilities differ according to the impairment. Inaccessible WASH facilities were a major challenge for people with mobility, self-care and visual impairments. People with intellectual impairments had difficulty accessing MHM information and their carers despaired when they showed their menstrual blood to others, which could result in abuse. No support mechanisms existed for carers for MHM, and they felt overwhelmed and isolated. Menstrual discomfort was a major challenge; these were managed with home remedies, or not at all. Most participants followed menstrual restrictions, which were widespread and expected; many feared they would be cursed if they did not. As disability is often viewed as a curse, this demonstrates the layers of discrimination faced. Conclusion Issues related to MHM for people with disabilities is more complex than for others in the population due to the additional disability discrimination and impairment experienced. Research exploring these issues must be conducted in different settings, and MHM interventions, tailored for impairment type and carers requirements,should be developed. Attention to, and resourcing for disability inclusive MHM must be prioritised to ensure ‘no one is left behind’.

scholarly journals Urbanization and greenness in HBSC survey: association with overweight and obesity in adolescents

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Bellisario ◽  
R Bono ◽  
G Squillacioti ◽  
M Caputo ◽  
I Gintoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Children Health ◽  
Public Health Strategies

Abstract Background Childhood obesity is an important public health issue worldwide and includes different risk factors, such as environmental pollutants exposure or physical activity. Neighborhood composition and green spaces availability could contrast obesogenic lifestyles and promote healthy habits, whereas, urbanization and traffic volume exposure are inversely associated with physical activity and worsen effects on childhood health. Methods This project analyzed students involved in the HBSC survey from the Piedmont Region. Data were collected in 2018, following the protocol. All the subjects were georeferenced within buffers around schools. Green-spaces availability was measured by Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI-satellite images) while urbanization was calculated by population density, traffic intensity (satellite measurements) and air pollution concentration (sampling stations). Results Overall, the sample included 3022 subjects, with amount 50% male/female and 30% for each age group (11-13-15 years old). Concerning weight status, above 14% of the all sample is obese or overweight, with, respectively, 20% among boys and 11% among girls. Preliminary analyses showed an association between weight status and population density (rural vs urbanized areas). Currently, we are analyzing the association with greenness and the other measures of urbanization. Conclusions Our preliminary findings suggest that high urbanization levels impact health implementing weight in children. We are testing the hypothesis that greenness positively influences weight status and reduce negative effects of urbanization and air pollution. The managing of these risk factors must be deepened and corroborated by active preventive Public Health strategies for improving children health. Key messages Urbanization and greenness may influence weight status in children. Public Health strategies must be improved for children health.

scholarly journals Health Impacts of Urban Bicycling in Mexico

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2300
Author(s):  
David Rojas-Rueda
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Traffic Fatalities ◽  
Premature Deaths ◽  
Air Pollution Exposure ◽  
Pollution Exposure

Background: Bicycling has been associated with health benefits. Local and national authorities have been promoting bicycling as a tool to improve public health and the environment. Mexico is one of the largest Latin American countries, with high levels of sedentarism and non-communicable diseases. No previous studies have estimated the health impacts of Mexico’s national bicycling scenarios. Aim: Quantify the health impacts of Mexico urban bicycling scenarios. Methodology: Quantitative Health Impact Assessment, estimating health risks and benefits of bicycling scenarios in 51,718,756 adult urban inhabitants in Mexico (between 20 and 64 years old). Five bike scenarios were created based on current bike trends in Mexico. The number of premature deaths (increased or reduced) was estimated in relation to physical activity, road traffic fatalities, and air pollution. Input data were collected from national publicly available data sources from transport, environment, health and population reports, and surveys, in addition to scientific literature. Results: We estimated that nine premature deaths are prevented each year among urban populations in Mexico on the current car-bike substitution and trip levels (1% of bike trips), with an annual health economic benefit of US $1,897,920. If Mexico achieves similar trip levels to those reported in The Netherlands (27% of bike trips), 217 premature deaths could be saved annually, with an economic impact of US $45,760,960. In all bicycling scenarios assessed in Mexico, physical activity’s health benefits outweighed the health risks related to traffic fatalities and air pollution exposure. Conclusion: The study found that bicycling promotion in Mexico would provide important health benefits. The benefits of physical activity outweigh the risk from traffic fatalities and air pollution exposure in bicyclists. At the national level, Mexico could consider using sustainable transport policies as a tool to promote public health. Specifically, the support of active transportation through bicycling and urban design improvements could encourage physical activity and its health co-benefits.

scholarly journals Cox regression survival analysis with compositional covariates: Application to modelling mortality risk from 24-h physical activity patterns

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 1447-1465 ◽  
Author(s):  
DE McGregor ◽  
J Palarea-Albaladejo ◽  
PM Dall ◽  
K Hron ◽  
SFM Chastin
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Survival Analysis ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Cox Regression Model ◽  
Log Ratio ◽  
Activity Behaviour

Survival analysis is commonly conducted in medical and public health research to assess the association of an exposure or intervention with a hard end outcome such as mortality. The Cox (proportional hazards) regression model is probably the most popular statistical tool used in this context. However, when the exposure includes compositional covariables (that is, variables representing a relative makeup such as a nutritional or physical activity behaviour composition), some basic assumptions of the Cox regression model and associated significance tests are violated. Compositional variables involve an intrinsic interplay between one another which precludes results and conclusions based on considering them in isolation as is ordinarily done. In this work, we introduce a formulation of the Cox regression model in terms of log-ratio coordinates which suitably deals with the constraints of compositional covariates, facilitates the use of common statistical inference methods, and allows for scientifically meaningful interpretations. We illustrate its practical application to a public health problem: the estimation of the mortality hazard associated with the composition of daily activity behaviour (physical activity, sitting time and sleep) using data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document