scholarly journals Food Insecurity and Depressive Symptoms among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from Iran

Author(s):  
Beyrambibi Bayat ◽  
Azimeh Izadi ◽  
Gholamreza Askari ◽  
Fereshteh Piran ◽  
Hamid Zolfaghai

Background: Food insecurity and depression are two public health problems in the developing countries. This study aimed to determine the association of food insecurity with depression and socioeconomic status (SES) among medical university students. Methods: This study was conducted among 272 students within the age range of 18-22 years. Participants’ demographic and anthropometric information was evaluated using standard methods. The dietary intakes were collected using a 24-hour dietary recall. Physical activity level was estimated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form. Food security status was evaluated by the 18-item United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) questionnaire. Depression was assessed by Beck Depression Inventory. Results: The prevalence of food insecurity and depression in participants were 44.1% and 62.5%, respectively. An inverse relationship was found between food insecurity and dietary intake of energy and macronutrients among university students (P ˂ 0.05). In addition, the results revealed an inverse relationship between food insecurity and SES status (P ˂ 0.05). In the food secure group, 19.1% of participants were depressed and in the food insecure group, 54.3% of them were depressed. A positive correlation (P < 0.05) was found between food insecurity and depression. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed a significant relationship between food insecurity and depression. However, longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to establish a causal relationship.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masoume Mansouri ◽  
Farshad Sharifi ◽  
Mehdi Varmaghani ◽  
Azad Shokri ◽  
HosseinAli Rahdar ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Primary headaches have a high prevalence among university students. Lifestyle has an important role in the prevention and management of these headaches. Among lifestyle factors, data on the association between physical activity and primary headaches are scarce and conflicting.Aim: To examine the association between physical activity and primary headaches among a large population of university students.Methods: Totally, 83,463 university students from 28 provinces of Iran were included in the current cross-sectional study. Data on physical activity, dietary intakes, and demographic characteristics were collected using pre-tested questionnaires. Primary headaches were determined according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders-3 (ICHD-3) criteria.Results: Mean age of university students was 21.50 ± 4.01, and 54.7% were female. Primary headaches were prevalent among 9% of students. A significant inverse association was seen between physical activity and primary headaches in the whole population (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.62-0.71). Such an inverse association was also observed after taking potential confounders into account; such that students who were physically active had 21% lower odds of primary headaches compared with those who were physically inactive (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.72-0.87). Also, physical activity was associated with reduced odds of primary headaches in male and female students (Males; OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.60-0.82, females; OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.75-0.94) as well as those students with normal-weight (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71-0.87), overweight, or obesity (OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.66-0.96).Conclusion: Our findings support the protective association between physical activity and primary headaches.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (04) ◽  
pp. 336-341
Author(s):  
ümit Yalçın

Introduction: Anxiety, depression and other mental problems are one of the important health problems on university campuses. The anxiety created by the exams in the students negatively affects the students' attitude and success towards the lessons. The studies carried out, the understanding the relationship between exercise, depression and anxiety, and positive results obtained were satisfying and also increased the value given to this issue. In our study, we examined the relationship between university students' physical activity level and exam anxiety. Material-Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 175 volunteer university students who did and did not do sports. The International Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire (IPAQ) Long Form was used to measure the level of physical activity and the Exam Anxiety Inventory to determine the level of anxiety. Results: The rate of female patients was significantly higher in the inactive group than the minimally active and active group (p ˂ 0.05). In the inactive group, the test anxiety score was significantly higher (p ˂ 0.05) than the minimally active and active group. Conclusion: As a result, our research revealed that the physical activity levels of university students are quite low, especially in female students, and there is a relationship between the level of physical activity and anxiety.


Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 556
Author(s):  
Mei-Ling Lin ◽  
Wen-Yi Wang ◽  
Chun-Chin Liao ◽  
Yu-Jy Luo ◽  
Chun-Chieh Kao

This study investigated how perceived exercise benefit affects the relationship between cellphone usage and physical activity level. This cross-sectional study performed a survey of Taiwanese university students selected using cluster sampling. A total of 975 students were recruited (male = 367, female = 608, average age = 20.10 ± 1.42). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression. The results show that cellphone usage was negatively correlated with physical activity level, whereas perceived exercise benefit was negatively correlated with cellphone usage and positively correlated with physical activity level. In hierarchical regression, the main effects of cellphone usage and perceived exercise benefit explained 22% of the variance in physical activity level. After controlling for the main effect, the interaction term accounted for an additional 1% of the variance. Cellphone usage and perceived exercise benefit thus had significant power to explain physical activity level. The results of this study reveal a novel phenomenon—that students who perceived the benefits of exercise to be greater are more physically active.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. p49
Author(s):  
Amal Al Siyabi ◽  
Ozayr Mahomed ◽  
Huda Al Siyabi ◽  
Sitwat Usman Langrial ◽  
Salah T. Al Awaidy

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, pattern, and the perceived barriers, of physical activity among Omani university students studying in Oman.Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire using the short-form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was disseminated to a selected sample of university students, from their second academic year onwards through Whats AppTM. Descriptive, Bivariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to measure patterns, levels and associated factors. Results: Overall 44% were classified as highly active, 30% as moderately active, and 26% as lowly active or inactive. Younger students (?22 years), male students, respondents with a positive perception of weight (normal or below), and self-perceived physically active (moderate to high) were more likely to engage in moderate to high physical activity. Students in university for ? 4 years (OR: 2.69) and students were members of sports youth clubs (OR: 2.76) were significantly more likely to engage in moderate or high physical activity. Lack of motivation was the top barrier of physical activity.Conclusions: More than a quarter of surveyed Omani university students were physically inactive which has the potential to have a detrimental effect on their health and well-being. Therefore, creating a conducive environment is essential for improving short and long-term health outcomes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 29-35
Author(s):  
Karuna Neupane ◽  
Mackwin Kenwood Dmello

Physical activity is one of the best health promotion activities that enhance the overall health status, mental status and performance. There is decline in the physical activity by ten folds since last four decades among adolescence worldwide. Educational institutions have a prime role in enhancing physical activity among school going children’s through schedule classes. This study was conducted to determine the level of physical activity among the Pre-University students of Mangaluru city. The study also aimed to determine the nutritional status of the students using weight for height. Cross-sectional study was conducted in selected Pre-University colleges of Mangaluru city. The study period was from January 2019 to April 2019. In total 572 samples were col lected. YPAQ for physical activity and Likert scale questionnaire for college based program were used to collect a data. Overall 50.5% of the students were found to be physically active in this study. In-house factors like type of college, type of streams (Science/Commerce/Arts), mode of transportation and personal factors like gender, gym workouts, household activities were significantly associated (p<0.05) with the level of physical activity respectively. Student’s regular participation in physical activity at college level was significantly associated (p<0.05) and were 3.76 times more active than students who did not participate. Regular physical activity schedule at the college level and motivation to participate along with studies will significantly improve the overall performance of the students.


Author(s):  
Nadia Abd El-Hamed Montasser ◽  
Abdel-Hady El-Gilany Abd El- Fattah ◽  
Randah Mohamad Helal

Objectives. To highlight the pattern of vigorous physical activity among freshmen university students and to evaluate the association between sociodemographic factors, perceived barriers, support factors, sedentary behaviours and body mass index. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on Mansoura University students at the beginning of the academic year 2008 - 2009. A total of 500 freshmen students were selected by systematic random sample. Participants responded to the short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire and other questions. Results. The study revealed that the prevalence of vigorous activity among the students was 9.8% (N=49) versus 90.2% (N=451) for mild and moderate activity. Body-related barriers were significantly higher among those reporting mild and moderate activities as shyness from others when doing exercise (6.9% versus 0.0%) and shyness from body looks in front of people (14.6% versus 4.1%). Lack of equipment was also perceived to be a barrier (31.0% versus 16.3%), for those doing mild to moderate versus vigorous, respectively. A significantly higher proportion of persons doing vigorous activity reported the influence of support factors such as perceived benefit for health (53.1% versus 33.7%), encouragement from others (53.1% versus 30.4%) and participation from others (51.0% versus 23.9%), compared with the more sedentary students. The majority of both groups spent <4 hours daily in front of a computer, but the overall proportion was significantly higher among those only reporting mild and moderate activity (88.0% versus 63.3%). Conclusion. The prevalence of most of the barriers studied was higher among those reporting mild and moderate activities and support factors were higher among those reporting vigorous activity. These results highlight the importance of environmental factors, social norms and intra-personal factors in determining the pattern of activity among Egyptian freshmen university students.SAJSM, vol 23 No. 4 2011


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A790-A791
Author(s):  
Leonardo A M Alvares ◽  
Marcelo R Santos ◽  
Francis R Souza ◽  
Lívia M Santos ◽  
Berenice Bilharinho Mendonca ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Cisgender men (CM) and women (CM) present different acute cardiopulmonary (CP) adaptation to effort. The smallest arteriovenous difference in oxygen (O2) and cardiac output (CO) in CW determine a lower maximum VO2 (VO2max) than CM. CP capacity adaptation to effort of TW undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) was not yet reported. Objective: To evaluate CP capacity of TW in long-term GAHT. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 8 TW (average age of 34.0 ±4.8 yo), 8 CM and 8 CW matched on age, body mass index and activity level. All TW were non-gonadectomized subjects and were in estrogen [transdermal estradiol (n=2), oral estradiol (n=3) and conjugated estrogen (n=3)], plus cyproterone acetate (n=8) therapy in an average time of 15.6 ±8.7 years. Body composition was assessed by InBody 720, and participants’ level of physical activity by IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) short form. Total testosterone (ng/dL) levels of TW, CW and CM were 83,5 (12,0;637,0), 20,5 (12,0;41,0) and 480,5 (264,0;843,0), respectively. Hemoglobin levels of TW, CW and CM were 14,2 (13,5;14,9), 14,35 (12,8;14,7) and 15,35 (14,0;18,2), respectively. Everyone performed a CP exercise testing on a treadmill with an incremental effort. Results: Mean VO2max (L/min) in the group of TW was 2648±575.5, of CW 2128±394.0 and of CM 3235±554.0 (TWvsCW p=0.1311; TWvsCM p=0.0806; CWvsCM p=0.009). Free fat mass (FFM) of TW was 55.56±6.88 kg, CW 38.98±4,09 kg, and CM 64,98±6,29 kg (TWvsCW p&lt;0,0001; TWvsCM p=0,024; CWvsCM p&lt;0,0001). Analysis of VO2max/FFM (L/min/kg), TW′s rate was 46.6±6.2, CW′s was 54.6±8.4 and CM′s was 49.4±6.1 (TWvsCW p=0.0770;TWvsCM p=0.6942; CWvsCM p=0.3185). O2 pulse, VE/VO2 (ventilatory equivalents for O2) and VE/VCO2 (ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide) were similar in all groups. There was high correlation of O2pulse and free fat mass/height2 (FFM/Hgt2) of TW (r 0,925;p 0,008), not observed in CW (r 0.614;p0.105) or CM (r 0.737; p 0.037).% predicted Heart Rate (%HR) at effort was higher in TW (104) than in CW (95.8)(p=0.0221) and CM (100.3)(p=0.3334). Discussion: Aerobic capacity of TW was intermediate between CM and CW. Regards VO2 / FFM ratio, TW had a lower index than other groups. Since changes in pulmonary O2 diffusion, CO and blood circulation were ruled out as causing such data, it could be related to O2 uptake drops by the muscle. Increased sympathetic activity and %HR in TW and high correlation of O2pulse and FFM/Hgt2 make up compatible framework with exacerbation of ergoreflex. Conclusion: Our results support the finding of a VO2max similar between TW undergoing long-term GAHT and CW groups, despite the previous expose of TWs to testosterone during puberty. We hypothesized the presence of an increased ergoreflex sensitivity in TW individuals. These preliminary results should be confirmed by increasing the number of individuals studied.


2014 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrícia Uchôa Leitão Cabral ◽  
Ana Carla Gomes MD Canário ◽  
Maria Helena Constantino Spyrides ◽  
Severina Alice da Costa Uchôa ◽  
José Júnior Eleutério ◽  
...  

Objective To investigate the relationship between physical activity level and sexual function in middle-aged women. Methods A cross-sectional study with a sample of 370 middle-aged women (40-65 years old), treated at public health care facilities in a Brazilian city. A questionnaire was used containing enquiries on sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral characteristics: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), short form, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Results The average age of the women studied was 49.8 years (± 8.1), 67% of whom exhibited sexual dysfunction (FSFI ≤ 26.55). Sedentary women had a higher prevalence (78.9%) of sexual dysfunction when compared to active (57.6%) and moderately active (66.7%) females (p = 0.002). Physically active women obtained higher score in all FSFI domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain) and total FSFI score (20.9), indicating better sexual function than their moderately active (18.8) and sedentary (15.6) counterparts (p <0.05). Conclusion Physical activity appears to influence sexual function positively in middle-aged women.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e040865
Author(s):  
Weicong Cai ◽  
Shangmin Chen ◽  
Liping Li ◽  
Pengying Yue ◽  
Xiaofan Yu ◽  
...  

ObjectivesData on the problem of physical activity-related injury (PARI) in university students and the risk factors for PARI among different genders are rare. We conducted a multicentre population-based study to investigate the occurrence of PARI and to explore the gender-specific risk factors for PARI among Chinese university students.DesignCross-sectional study.ParticipantsA total of 5341 students in grades 1–3 at eight universities in four Chinese cities were selected to complete the online questionnaires during March and April 2017. The questionnaires assessed sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity PA) involvement, sleep duration, sedentary behaviour and PARI experiences in the past 12 months.Main outcome measuresPARI during the past 12 months.ResultsAmong the 5341 participants, 1293 suffered from at least one PARI in the past 12 months, with an overall incidence rate of 24.2% (males: 26.2%, females: 23.2%) and an injury risk of 0.38 injuries/student/year (males: 0.48, females: 0.32). Over half of the injured (57.3%) experienced a withdrawal time of PA and nearly two-fifths (39.6%) required medical attention. Irrespective of gender, Shantou and Xi’an students, sports team members and those who engaged in sports and leisure-time vigorous-intensity PA (VPA) at a higher frequency were more likely to suffer from PARI. Male students who participated in sports and leisure-time VPA for long durations had a greater likelihood of sustaining PARI, while having a chronic condition and being involved in sports and leisure-time moderate-intensity PA at a higher frequency and longer duration were potential contributors to PARI among females.ConclusionsThe occurrence of PARI and its risk factors differed by gender, which provides a direction towards developing targeted and effective gender-specific preventative programmes to protect Chinese university students from PARI.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-65
Author(s):  
Ayu Wulandari ◽  
Zulhaida Lubis ◽  
Evawani Aritonang

Introduction: The results of the initial survey showed that there were seven children with low food pattern and moderate physical activity was having a cognitive function and low academic achievement at school, and three children with good food pattern and moderate physical activity were having good cognitive and high academic achievement in school. This study was to determine the relations of food patterns and physical activity with academic achievement and cognitive function. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study that was conducted at Elementary School 2 Blangkeujeren, West Labuhanhaji Sub-district, South Aceh District from March 2017 to June 2017. This study used a total sampling design is 81 students. Subjects are all students in grade five (42 students) and six (39 students). Data were collected by using questionnaires include Food Frequency Questionary (FFQ), Food Recall 24 hours, Physical Activity Level (PAL). Last year's report card value and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to assess cognitive children. Results: The relationship between the type and the amount of macro and micronutrient intake obtained p-value<0.05. This study also showed a relationship between food patterns and cognitive function in children. Based on the research results, there is a relationship between physical activity and academic achievement (p<0.05). There is a relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in children. Conclusion: There is a relationship between food patterns, physical activity, academic achievement, and cognitive function.


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