scholarly journals Prevalence of obesity and its association with stress levels among undergraduate medical students

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 222-225
Author(s):  
C Suvarna Devi ◽  
T. Sharmila Krishna ◽  
M Harini ◽  
E Venkata Rao ◽  
R Viswakumar
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Junk Food ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Medical Undergraduates ◽  
Stress Score

The burden of obesity and its related disorders is growing to an epidemic form, particularly among young adults, both in the developing and developed countries. Pursuing medical education is considered stressful throughout the course of the training. Stress leading to disordered eating habits along with lack of physical activity tend to make medical students more prone to obesity related disorders. The present study was carried out to find out the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its association with stress among medical undergraduates.This cross-sectional study was conducted at Narayana Medical College, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. After obtaining approval from the Institutional ethics committee, both male and female students were invited to participate. Data on age, gender, type of diet, physical activity, consumption of junk food and other habits were collected. Cohen’s perceived stress score questionnaire was used to quantify the level of stress. Among 170 students, about 18.2% (n=31) of students were obese and 8.2% (n=14) were overweight. The mean stress score was 17.2 (± 4.72) and about 78% (n=133) reported to have stress with scores > 13. There was a significant association between BMI and consumption of junk food and a mild positive correlation existed between BMI and perceived stress score index(PSSI) among first year medical undergraduates.Obesity and stress remain a common problem among medical undergraduates. The causality can be established with more robust study designs. Encouraging proper eating habits combined with daily physical activity, yoga and body weight management programs might help curbing the problem.

scholarly journals Prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity among children from primary schools in urban areas of Lomé, Togo

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1048-1056 ◽  
Author(s):  
Herbert Sagbo ◽  
Didier Koumavi Ekouevi ◽  
Dorland Tafitarilova Ranjandriarison ◽  
Serge Niangoran ◽  
Tchaa Abalo Bakai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Economic Conditions ◽  
Obesity Prevalence ◽  
Factors Associated

AbstractObjectiveOverweight and obesity in childhood are serious public health issues, both in developing and developed countries. The present study aimed to ascertain overweight and obesity prevalence rates among Togolese schoolchildren in Lomé, Togo, and their correlation with physical activity, socio-economic conditions and eating habits.DesignCross-sectional survey conducted in December 2015. Overweight and obesity were defined using age- and sex-specific BMI cut-off points of the International Obesity Task Force. Physical activity, socio-economic conditions and eating habits were assessed with a standardized questionnaire. Specially trained medical students interviewed children and collected the data. After bivariate regression analyses, factors associated with overweight/obesity were identified by multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was two-sided P<0·05.SettingLomé, Togo.SubjectsRepresentative sample of 634 children (288 boys, 346 girls), aged 8–17 years, who were studying in primary schools.ResultsOverweight and obesity respectively affected 5·2 and 1·9 % of children surveyed. Watching television (>4 h) on weekends (OR; 95 % CI: 3·8; 1·2, 12·0, P=0·02) and medium dietary diversity score (3·0; 1·1, 8·1, P=0·03) were independently associated with overweight/obesity in a multivariate regression model. Eating breakfast in the school cafeteria (0·2; 0·1, 0·8, P=0·03) and eating fruits (0·4; 0·1, 0·9, P=0·03) significantly reduced the risk of overweight/obesity.ConclusionsOverweight and obesity prevalence were linked with sedentary behaviour and non-optimal food diversity. Promoting physical activity and fruit consumption should be explored as interventions to reduce and prevent overweight and obesity in Lomé schoolchildren. In addition, preventive approaches in the social environment of children should be considered.

scholarly journals AWARENESS AND PRACTICE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG MALE MEDICAL UNDERGRADUATES AT MAJMAAH UNIVERSITY, SAUDI ARABIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 1669-75
Author(s):  
Muhammad Asad Farhan ◽  
Syed Yousaf Kazmi ◽  
Abdul Irfan ◽  
Waqas Sami ◽  
Ali Faraz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Table Tennis ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Medical Undergraduate ◽  
Medical Undergraduates

Objective: To probe the level of awareness and practice of the WHO recommendation for physical activity among male medical undergraduates at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study. Place and Duration of Study: College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Kingdom of Saudia Arabia from Oct to Dec 2018. Methodology: The study was conducted amongst 150 undergraduate medical students using a self-validated questionnaire. Results: A total of 53 (35.33%) participants were found to be physically inactive while only 18 (12%) participants were adherent to WHO recommendations of physical activity for health benefits. Only 31 (20.66%) participants were correctly aware of the WHO guidelines for physical activity with health benefits. Football (n=47) and table tennis (n=20) were the sports played by the majority i.e., in 67 (44.66%) participants. The physically active participants encouraged peers for physical activity and preferred social media as a mean of spreading awareness about physical activity. Conclusion: The awareness and the level of adherence of our male medical undergraduate students of physical activity according to the WHO’s guidelines are at par with the results of the national studies but much lower than the developed countries like the USA.

scholarly journals Prevalence of overweight & obesity-associated risk factors amongst medical students in South India

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL2) ◽  
pp. 76-80
Author(s):  
Tina J ◽  
Yogesh Mohan ◽  
Jayashri D ◽  
Timsi Jain
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Diet Pattern ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Obesity is defined as an excessive accumulation of body fat to an extent where health is impaired. Obesity among students is progressing towards an epidemic level. The change in lifestyle, lack of physical activity and exercise, improper eating habits and lack of awareness about obesity which has become a major problem of college students, especially among medical students. This study was conducted with the objective to estimate the prevalence of overweight & obesity and associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students of Saveetha Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) with a sample size of 230 and a purposive sampling technique was used. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using relevant statistical tests. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 20.4% and 2.1%, respectively and factors such as diet pattern and sleep duration are significantly associated with overweight and obesity. Measures such as motivating the students, organizing group exercise activities and making physical activity as part of the curriculum and importance of adequate sleep should be emphasized.

scholarly journals Study of perceived stress and stressors among undergraduate medical students

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 1690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renu Sethia ◽  
Gaurav Sharma ◽  
Kirti Shekhawat ◽  
Aarti Aacharya ◽  
Rekha Acharya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Stressors ◽  
Item List ◽  
Medical Undergraduates ◽  
High Level

Background: Recently there is growing concern about stress during undergraduate’s medical training. Undue stress may cause adverse health consequences and lowered academic performance. Objective of the study was to know perceived level of stress and its causes among undergraduate medical students.Methods: A cross sectional survey, using self-structured questionnaire, was conducted among 65 third year medical students. Questionnaires were related to socio-demographic profile, perceived stress scale [PSS] and 32 item list of stressors (grouped as health related, academic and psycho-social). Student’s responses were recorded on five point Likert scale.Results: Mean PSS score was 25.53±5.55 and was significantly higher for females. Psycho-social stressors occurred most frequently, followed by the academic causes.Conclusions: Medical undergraduates face high level of stress and the causes may be varied. They need more interaction, counselling and support from faculty to relieve their stress.

scholarly journals Chi Square Test Correlation of Physical Activity of Obese Children of Three Libyan Cities

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-23
Author(s):  
Fawzi Elabani
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Pediatric Hospital ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
History Of ◽  
Test Correlation

Background-The highest prevalence of childhood obesity have been observed in developed countries, however its prevalence is increasing in developing countries as well.Objectives-To evaluate demographic variation in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 1361 children and adolescents of three Libyan cities Tripoli, Zawia, and Geryan (Tripoli- girls; n =369, boys; n = 290, Zawia- girls; n =250, boys; n = 89, and Geryan- girls; n =230, boys; n = 133) aged 3-19 years. Methods-The study was carried out at Central Tripoli Pediatric Hospital during a year 2016/17.The researcher took the anthropometric measurements inside the nurse's room of the out-patient department (OPD), and gave a questionnaire to children to be answered by one of the child's parents. The questionnaire included questions related to the socioeconomic status, life style (physical activity and eating habits) and family history of overweight and obesity.In this paper a Chi square test of independence is used to measures whether there is a relationship between gender and physical activity.The results shows that there is a significant relationship between the physical activity and the gender for all three cities.    

scholarly journals Baseline risk factor prevalence among adolescents aged 15–17 years old: findings from National Non-communicable Disease Monitoring Survey (NNMS) of India

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e044066
Author(s):  
Prashant Mathur ◽  
Vaitheeswaran Kulothungan ◽  
Sravya Leburu ◽  
Anand Krishnan ◽  
Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
National Level ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Baseline Risk ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Non Communicable Disease

ObjectiveTo generate national estimates of key non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors for adolescents (15–17 years) identified in the National NCD Monitoring Framework and, study the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards NCD risk behaviours among school-going adolescents.Design and settingA community-based, national, cross-sectional survey conducted during 2017–2018. The survey was coordinated by the Indian Council of Medical Research—National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research with 10 reputed implementing research institutes/organisations across India in urban and rural areas.ParticipantsA multistage sampling design was adopted covering ages between 15 and 69 years—adolescents (15–17 years) and adults (18–69 years). The sample included 12 000 households drawn from 600 primary sampling units. All available adolescents (15–17 years) from the selected households were included in the survey.Main outcome measuresKey NCD risk factors for adolescents (15–17 years)—current tobacco and alcohol use, dietary behaviours, insufficient physical activity, overweight and obesity.ResultsOverall, 1402 households and 1531 adolescents completed the survey. Prevalence of current daily use of tobacco was 3.1% (95% CI: 2.0% to 4.7%), 25.2% (95% CI: 22.2% to 28.5%) adolescents showed insufficient levels of physical activity, 6.2% (95% CI: 4.9% to 7.9%) were overweight and 1.8% (95% CI: 1.0% to 2.9%) were obese. Two-thirds reported being imparted health education on NCD risk factors in their schools/colleges.ConclusionThe survey provides baseline data on NCD-related key risk factors among 15–17 years in India. These national-level data fill information gaps for this age group and help assess India’s progress towards NCD targets set for 2025 comprehensively. Though the prevalence of select risk factors is much lower than in many developed countries, this study offers national evidence for revisiting and framing appropriate policies, strategies for prevention and control of NCDs in younger age groups.

scholarly journals Usability testing of an e-learning resource designed to improve medical students’ physical activity prescription skills: a qualitative think-aloud study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e042983
Author(s):  
Helen Carter-Roberts ◽  
Richard Antbring ◽  
Manuela Angioi ◽  
Gemma Pugh
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Curriculum ◽  
Think Aloud ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Learning Resource ◽  
Physical Activity Counselling ◽  
Exercise Medicine ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
E Learning

ObjectiveAn e-learning resource (MEdic GAming, MEGA) was developed based on the contents of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine exercise prescription booklet. This study aimed to (i) explore medical students’ perspectives of physical activity promotion and e-learning and (ii) investigate medical students’ response to the design, content and usability of the MEGA e-learning resource.DesignQualitative think-aloud interview study.SettingA London medical school.Participants19 undergraduate medical students were interviewed using the think-aloud method while using the e-learning resource concurrently.ResultsIn general, medical students felt current education on physical activity is inadequate and held a strong desire for more teaching on exercise medicine. Students believed the MEGA e-learning resource addressed a gap in their knowledge on physical activity but noted e-learning should not replace face-to-face teaching and suggested physical activity education would be best delivered through a blended learning approach. Students felt such an approach would allow better opportunity to practice physical activity counselling skills with patients while on clinical placement. Students’ motivation to engage with the MEGA e-learning resource was positively impacted by aesthetically appealing design and interactive gamification elements such as self-assessment quizzes and visual progress tracking.ConclusionMedical students value the role of physical activity in health but are disappointed by the lack of teaching within the current medical curriculum. E-learning resources, such as MEGA, which contain interactive features are a viable means to integrate physical activity into the undergraduate curriculum but should be supplemented by the opportunity to practice physical activity counselling in-person.

Feasibility of Using a Mobile App for Stress in Middle-Aged Men and Women. (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Breanne Michelle Laird ◽  
Megan Puzia ◽  
Linda Larkey ◽  
Diane Ehlers ◽  
Jennifer Huberty
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Psychological Outcomes ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
General Coping ◽  
Middle Aged Adults

BACKGROUND Middle-aged adults (40 to 65 years) report higher stress than most age groups. There is a need to test the feasibility of using a meditation app to reduce stress and improve stress-related outcomes in both middle-aged men and women. OBJECTIVE Therefore, the purpose of this study was to: (1) determine the feasibility (i.e., acceptability and demand) of a consumer-based meditation app (i.e., Calm) to reduce stress in middle-aged adults reporting elevated stress; and (2) explore the preliminary effects of Calm on perceived stress, psychological outcomes (i.e., anxiety, depressive symptoms, mindfulness, general coping), health behaviors (i.e., physical activity, eating habits), and perceptions of COVID-19. METHODS The current study is a double-blind randomized controlled feasibility study testing a brief app-based meditation (i.e., Calm) intervention in middle-aged adults (N=83) with elevated stress levels (i.e., score greater than or equal to 15 on the Perceived Stress Scale) and limited or no previous experience with meditation. Participants were randomized to an app-based meditation intervention (Calm) or app-based education control group (POD). Participants completed self-report assessments at baseline and post-intervention (Week 4). Feasibility was measured as acceptability and demand using Bowen’s framework. Feasibility and COVID-19 perceptions data were examined via descriptive statistics. Preliminary effects were examined using repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS Participants were satisfied with the meditation intervention (96.4%; 27/28) and found it appropriate/useful (92.9%; 26/28). Most reported that they were likely to continue using Calm in the future (64.3%; 18/28). More participants in the Calm group reported satisfaction, appropriateness/usefulness, and intent to continue use compared to the control. Calm participants (n=33) averaged 20.0±31.1 minutes of meditation on the days they meditated and 103±109.1 minutes of meditation per week during the study. On average there was a 70.8% adherence rate to the prescribed meditation, compared to 62.2% in POD. Recruitment of men into the study was 34.9% (29/83). Of those randomized to Calm, 55.2% (15/29) were men. Retention among men was 93.3% (14/15) compared to 60% (12/20) for women. No significant within or between group differences in stress or psychological outcomes related to stress were observed nor were significant differences in health behaviors related to stress. CONCLUSIONS A four-week, app-based mindfulness meditation intervention (i.e., Calm) may be feasible in middle-aged adults. Calm participants expressed satisfaction with the intervention and felt it was appropriate and useful. However, significant improvements in perceived stress and psychological outcomes (i.e., anxiety, depressive symptoms, mindfulness and general coping) or health behaviors related to stress (i.e., physical activity, eating habits) were not observed. The majority of participants reported that COVID-19 negatively impacted their stress, mental health, and physical health. More research is needed for improving stress and stress related outcomes in middle-aged men and women using mindfulness meditation apps. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04272138; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04272138.

scholarly journals Pattern of BMI and associated factors in residents of Hussainabad aged 15 years and above.

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (04) ◽  
pp. 752-758
Author(s):  
Aftab Nazir ◽  
Rabia Arshad Usmani ◽  
Muhammad Sarfraz ◽  
Muhammad Zakria ◽  
Muhammad Umar Ghafoor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Obese People ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Risk Practices ◽  
Sweet Foods

Objectives: To study the pattern of BMI and associated factors in residents of Hussainabad aged 15 years and above. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Hussainabad, Faisalabad. Period: 15th April to 23th August 2017. Material & Methods: A sample of 410 was obtained. Participants were selected by convenience sampling. Data was collected by self-administered questionnaire. Results: Out of total 410 study participants, 250 (61%) were males and 160 (39%) were females. 258 (62.9%) participants were found having BMI in the range of overweight and obesity, 6 (1.4%) participants were underweight and the remaining 146 (36%) participants were having normal BMI range. Amongst 258 overweight/obese people, 83 (20.2%) people were overweight, 112 (27.3%) moderate obese, 30 (7.3%) severe obese and 33 (8.1%) very severe obese. Overall 175 (42.7%) people were suffering from obesity. 249 (60.7%) people were in habit of eating in between meals and 161 (39.3%) were not used to eating in between meals. 95 (23.1%) people eat four times a day and 55 (13.4%) people eat more than four times a day. Likeness and increased frequency of rice and meat [136 (33.2%) and (130 (31.7%)] was more than vegetables and pulses [(91 (22.2%) and (53 (12.9%)] respectively. 157 (38.3%) people were having nocturnal eating habits. 194 (47.3%) admitted of liking the sweets and sweet foods and 170 (41.5%) people admitted of eating more under stressful conditions. 130 (31.7%) participants don’t do any kind of physical activity. Conclusion: This study describes a high frequency of obesity among population of Hussainabad. Numerous health risk practices were identified including unhealthy dietary habits, eating sweet foods, increased meal frequency, snacking behavior and lack of physical activity.

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