scholarly journals Exploring the Benefits of Participation in Community-Based Running and Walking Events: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Parkrun Participants

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Quirk ◽  
Alice Bullas ◽  
Steve Haake ◽  
Elizabeth Goyder ◽  
Mike Graney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Deprived Areas

Abstract Background: Whilst the benefits of physical activity for health and wellbeing are recognised, population levels of activity remain low. Significant inequalities exist, with socioeconomically disadvantaged populations being less physically active and less likely to participate in community events. We investigated the perceived benefits from participation in a weekly running/walking event by those living in the most socioeconomically deprived areas and doing the least physical activity.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was emailed to 2,318,135 parkrun participants in the UK. Demographic and self-reported data was collected on life satisfaction, happiness, health status, physical activity, motives, and the perceived benefits of parkrun. Motivation, health status and benefits were compared for groups defined by level of physical activity at parkrun registration and residential Index of Multiple Deprivation.Results: 60,000 completed surveys were received (2.7% of those contacted). Respondents were more recently registered with parkrun (3.1 v. 3.5 years) and had a higher frequency of participation than non-respondents (14.5 v. 3.7 parkruns per year). Those who were inactive at registration and from socioeconomically deprived areas reported lower happiness, lower life satisfaction and poorer health than the full sample. They were more likely to want to improve their physical health, rather than get fit or lose weight. Of those reporting less than one bout of activity a week at registration, 88% (87% in the most socioeconomically deprived areas) increased their physical activity level and 52% (65% in the most socioeconomically deprived areas) reported improvements to overall health behaviours. Previously inactive respondents from the most socioeconomically deprived areas reported greater improvements to fitness (93% v. 89%), physical health (90% v. 85%), happiness (83% v. 79%) and mental health (76% v. 69%).Conclusion: The least active respondents from the most socioeconomically deprived areas reported changes to their activity levels and benefits to their health and wellbeing since participating in parkrun. Whilst the challenge of identifying how community initiatives like parkrun can better engage with the least active and most socioeconomically deprived remains, if this can be achieved, then such interventions can have a critical public health role in addressing inequalities in benefits associated with recreational physical activity.

scholarly journals Exploring the benefits of participation in community-based running and walking events: a cross-sectional survey of parkrun participants

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Quirk ◽  
Alice Bullas ◽  
Steve Haake ◽  
Elizabeth Goyder ◽  
Mike Graney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Full Sample ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Deprived Areas

Abstract Background Whilst the benefits of physical activity for health and wellbeing are recognised, population levels of activity remain low. Significant inequalities exist, with socioeconomically disadvantaged populations being less physically active and less likely to participate in community events. We investigated the perceived benefits from participation in a weekly running/walking event called parkrun by those living in the most socioeconomically deprived areas and doing the least physical activity. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was emailed to 2,318,135 parkrun participants in the UK. Demographic and self-reported data was collected on life satisfaction, happiness, health status, physical activity, motives, and the perceived benefits of parkrun. Motivation, health status and benefits were compared for sub-groups defined by physical activity level at parkrun registration and residential Index of Multiple Deprivation. Results 60,000 completed surveys were received (2.7% of those contacted). Respondents were more recently registered with parkrun (3.1 v. 3.5 years) than the parkrun population and had a higher frequency of parkrun participation (14.5 v. 3.7 parkruns per year). Those inactive at registration and from deprived areas reported lower happiness, lower life satisfaction and poorer health compared to the full sample. They were more likely to want to improve their physical health, rather than get fit or for competition. Of those reporting less than one bout of activity per week at registration, 88% (87% in the most deprived areas) increased their physical activity level and 52% (65% in the most deprived areas) reported improvements to overall health behaviours. When compared to the full sample, a greater proportion of previously inactive respondents from the most deprived areas reported improvements to fitness (92% v. 89%), physical health (90% v. 85%), happiness (84% v. 79%) and mental health (76% v. 69%). Conclusion The least active respondents from the most socioeconomically deprived areas reported increases to their activity levels and benefits to health and wellbeing since participating in parkrun. Whilst the challenge of identifying how community initiatives like parkrun can better engage with underrepresented populations remains, if this can be achieved they could have a critical public health role in addressing inequalities in benefits associated with recreational physical activity.

scholarly journals Fitness and the Crisis: Impacts of COVID-19 on Active Living and Life Satisfaction in Austria

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13073
Author(s):  
David Jungwirth ◽  
Chiara Amelie Weninger ◽  
Daniela Haluza
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Active Living ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Austrian Population

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted human lifestyles across the world. Lockdowns and home confinement decreased prior opportunities for everyday physical activity. To retrospectively assess how the Austrian population coped with these aspects of the crisis, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey from March to September 2021 using a structured questionnaire in German. In total, 1214 participants (56.9% females, mean age 37.0 years) living across Austria shared self-reported information on sociodemographic characteristics, indoor and outdoor physical activity, reasons for being outdoors, and life satisfaction before and after the emergence of the virus. As a result, overall indoor physical activity significantly decreased in a before–during COVID-19 crisis comparison, although exercising at home with online instructions increased by about 63%. Exercising outdoors increased overall, specifically in periurban forests and rural areas, both by about 9%. Life satisfaction decreased significantly by 19.7% (p < 0.001). Outdoor public places and natural environments gained importance due to restrictions affecting access to sport facilities. Further research is needed to evaluate benefits and therapeutic values of outdoor nature for physical and mental health in times of a global pandemic to maintain resilient societies, as it might impact future active living and life satisfaction.

scholarly journals Changes in Physical Activity Are Associated with Corresponding Changes in Psychological Well-Being: A Pandemic Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (20) ◽  
pp. 10680
Author(s):  
Micael Dahlen ◽  
Helge Thorbjørnsen ◽  
Hallgeir Sjåstad ◽  
Petra von Heideken Wågert ◽  
Charlotta Hellström ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Daily Activity ◽  
Good Reason ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Organized Activities ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Societal crises and personal challenges are often followed by substantial changes in physical activity. Is there a link between such changes and psychological well-being? Seeking to answer this question, we conducted a correlational study on a representative sample in Sweden during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 1035). About 49% of the sample had decreased their physical activity compared to their self-reported activity level prior to the pandemic, whereas 32% had increased it. The results showed a positive and robust association between changes in daily activity level and corresponding changes in psychological well-being. Specifically, individuals who had reduced their physical activity over the last year reported lower life satisfaction than before, and individuals who had increased their physical activity reported higher life satisfaction than before. The amount of complete physical inactivity (sitting) showed a similar pattern as the exercise data, meaning that individuals who reported increasing inactivity per day also reported a greater decline in life satisfaction. Additional analyses showed that the association between daily activity level and life satisfaction was somewhat stronger for men than for women, but there was no difference when comparing individual versus organized activities. The current study was based on a cross-sectional design, measuring self-reported change over time. Recent work from other research teams have used longitudinal data and experience-sampling in different settings, finding similar results. We conclude that there is good reason to recommend physical exercise as a coping strategy in difficult times.

scholarly journals Self-perceived Workplace Discrimination And Mental Health Among Immigrant Workers In Italy: A Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anteo Di Napoli ◽  
Alessandra Rossi ◽  
Francesca Baralla ◽  
Martna Ventura ◽  
Rosaria Gatta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Workplace Discrimination ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Immigration process is associated with poor mental and physical health. The workplace represents an important context of social integration, and previous studies, that evaluated the effect of discrimination experienced at workplace, found worse mental health status among immigrants. The aim of this study investigated the association between self-perceived workplace discrimination and other personal experiences, like self-perceived loneliness, level of life satisfaction, and physical health and mental well-being among immigrants in Italy.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 12,408 immigrants (aged 15-64) living and working in Italy. Data derived from the first national survey on immigrants carried out by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat). Mental health status was measured through the mental component summary (MCS) of the SF-12 questionnaire. A linear multivariate regression was carried out to evaluate the association between mental health status, self-perceived workplace discrimination, and sociodemographic factors; a structural equation model was used to test hypothesized relationships shown in a conceptual path analysis model.Results: Worse mental health status was independently (p<0.001) associated with self-perceived workplace discrimination (β:-1.873), self-perceived loneliness (β:-3.021), level of life satisfaction (β:-2.775), and physical health status (β:-0.088). As confirmed by structural equation model, the self-perceived workplace discrimination effect on MCS was mediated by the other factors considered: self-perceived loneliness (13.6%), level of life satisfaction (13.6%), and physical health status (3.9%).Conclusions: Our study suggest that self-perceived workplace discrimination is associated with worse mental health status in immigrant workers. These results support the hypothesis that self-perceived workplace discrimination may affect mental health status through personal experiences in the workplace and explain the effect of the exposure to workplace discrimination on immigrants’ psychological well-being. Our findings suggest that an overall public health response to facilitate the social integration of immigrants and their access to health services, in particular those dedicated to addressing mental health issues.

scholarly journals Self-perceived Workplace Discrimination and Mental Health Among Immigrant Workers in Italy: a Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anteo Di Napoli ◽  
Alessandra Rossi ◽  
Francesca Baralla ◽  
Martina Ventura ◽  
Rosaria Gatta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Workplace Discrimination ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: The process of immigration is associated with poor mental and physical health. While the workplace represents an important context of social integration, previous studies evaluating the effect of discrimination experienced in the workplace found worse mental health status among immigrants. The aim of this study was to investigate whether self-perceived workplace discrimination has any role in the mental health status of immigrants living and working in Italy, evaluating the contribution of other personal experiences, such as loneliness and life satisfaction.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 12,408 immigrants (aged 15-64) living and working in Italy. Data derived from the first national survey on immigrants carried out by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat). Mental health status was measured through the Mental Component Summary (MCS) of the SF-12 questionnaire. A linear multivariate linear regression was carried out to evaluate the association between mental health status, self-perceived workplace discrimination, and sociodemographic factors; a structural equation model was used to test hypothesized relationships shown in a conceptual path analysis model.Results: Worse mental health status was independently (p<0.001) associated with self-perceived workplace discrimination (β:-1.873), self-perceived loneliness (β:-3.021), level of life satisfaction (β:-2.775), and physical health status (β:-0.088). As confirmed by the structural equation model, the effect of self-perceived workplace discrimination on MCS was mediated by the other factors considered: self-perceived loneliness (13.6%), level of life satisfaction (13.6%), and physical health status (3.9%).Conclusions: Our study suggests that self-perceived workplace discrimination is associated with worse mental health status in immigrant workers through personal experiences in the workplace and explains the effect of the exposure to workplace discrimination on immigrants’ psychological well-being. Our findings suggest that an overall public health response is needed to facilitate the social integration of immigrants and their access to health services, particularly those services that address mental health issues.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity and Mental Health of Physiotherapy Students, Vadodara - A Cross Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 294-300
Author(s):  
Lalli Singh ◽  
Devangi Desai
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Moderate Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Physiotherapy Students

Background:- Lockdown in India happened due to COVID-19 pandemic. In this lockdown, government urged people to stay at home to prevent the spread of the virus. Prolonged homestay for longer duration leads to sedentary behavior which affects physical as well as mental health of the individuals. Aim:- This study aimed at determining the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the physical activity and mental health of physiotherapy college students. Also to know the correlation between physical activity and mental health in physiotherapy students keeping pandemic COVID-19 in between them. Method:- A web-based survey was undertaken. 250 physiotherapy students were approached out of which 214 had successfully filled up the entire form. The questionnaire of IPAQ(SF) for physical activity level and DASS-21 for mental health were used. Data Analysis:- Prevalence for physical activity and prevalence of mental health status for physiotherapy students was calculated and presented in form of frequency distribution and spearman’s correlation was used to find the any relation between them. Results:- Prevalence of 79% was obtained for mild physical activity. 17% for moderate physical activity and 4% severe physical activity was obtained. Prevalence of mental health status were noted it showed 29.90% mild, 32.71% moderate and 10.73% severe level of affection in physiotherapy students. Also, there is a weak positive co relation between physical activity and mental health of physiotherapy students considering pandemic. Conclusion:- With the present study it can be concluded that there is a significant reduction in the physical activity and also prevalence for mental health status shows deterioration level among physiotherapy students. Looking at the current scenario early intervention are needed to improve the mental health status and physical activity of physiotherapy students. Key words: Covid 19, lockdown, stress, physical activity and health status.

scholarly journals Health behaviours and mental and physical health status in older adults with a history of homelessness: a cross-sectional population-based study in England

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e028003
Author(s):  
Lee Smith ◽  
Nicola Veronese ◽  
Guillermo Felipe López-Sánchez ◽  
Eloise Moller ◽  
James Johnstone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Physical Health Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

ObjectivesThis study compared (1) levels of engagement in lifestyle risk behaviours and (2) mental and physical health status in individuals who have previously been homeless to those of individuals who have not.DesignCross-sectional.ParticipantsData were from participants (n=6931) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.MeasuresParticipants reported whether they had ever been homeless. We used regression models to analyse associations between homelessness and (1) cigarette smoking, daily alcohol consumption and physical inactivity, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates (age, sex, ethnicity, highest level of education, marital status and household non-pension wealth) and (2) self-rated health, limiting long-standing illness, depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, quality of life and loneliness, adjusting for sociodemographics and health behaviours.Results104 participants (1.5%) reported having been homeless. Individuals who had been homeless were significantly more likely to be physically inactive (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.52), report fair/bad/very bad self-rated health (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.86), have a limiting long-standing illness (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.65 to 4.30) and be depressed (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.85 to 5.05) and scored lower on measures of life satisfaction (17.34 vs 19.96, p<0.001) and quality of life (39.02 vs 41.21, p=0.013). Rates of smoking (20.2% vs 15.4%, p=0.436), daily drinking (27.6% vs 22.8%, p=0.385) and loneliness (27.1% vs 21.0%, p=0.080) were also elevated.ConclusionsThose who were once homeless have poorer mental and physical health outcomes and are more likely to be physically inactive. Interventions to improve their health and quality of life are required.

scholarly journals Self-perceived workplace discrimination and mental health among immigrant workers in Italy: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anteo Di Napoli ◽  
Alessandra Rossi ◽  
Francesca Baralla ◽  
Martina Ventura ◽  
Rosaria Gatta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Workplace Discrimination ◽  
Immigrant Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Personal Experiences

Abstract Background The process of immigration is associated with poor mental and physical health. While the workplace represents an important context of social integration, previous studies evaluating the effect of discrimination experienced in the workplace found worse mental health status among immigrants. The aim of this study was to investigate whether self-perceived workplace discrimination has any role in the mental health status of immigrants living and working in Italy, evaluating the contribution of other personal experiences, such as loneliness and life satisfaction. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 12,408 immigrants (aged 15–64) living and working in Italy. Data were derived from the first national survey on immigrants carried out by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat). Mental health status was measured through the Mental Component Summary (MCS) of the SF-12 questionnaire. A linear multivariate linear regression was carried out to evaluate the association between mental health status, self-perceived workplace discrimination, and sociodemographic factors; path analysis was used to quantify the mediation effect of self-perceived loneliness, level of life satisfaction, and the Physical Component Summary (PCS). Results Mental health status was inversely associated (p < 0.001) with self-perceived workplace discrimination (β:-1.737), self-perceived loneliness (β:-2.653), and physical health status (β:-0.089); it was directly associated with level of life satisfaction (β:1.122). As confirmed by the path analysis, the effect of self-perceived workplace discrimination on MCS was mediated by the other factors considered: self-perceived loneliness (11.9%), level of life satisfaction (20.7%), and physical health status (3.9%). Conclusions Our study suggests that self-perceived workplace discrimination is associated with worse mental health status in immigrant workers through personal experiences in the workplace and explains the effect of the exposure to workplace discrimination on immigrants’ psychological well-being. Our findings suggest that an overall public health response is needed to facilitate the social integration of immigrants and their access to health services, particularly those services that address mental health issues.

scholarly journals FATORES ASSOCIADOS À INATIVIDADE FÍSICA ENTRE IDOSOS ASILARES

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Miranda Vitório ◽  
Carla Camila Nascimento Gil ◽  
Saulo Vasconcelos Rocha ◽  
Jefferson Paixão Cardoso ◽  
Lélia Renata Das Virgens Carneiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated

resumo   Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os fatores associados ao nível de atividade física em idosos asilares. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, de caráter descritivo, realizado com 16 idosos de uma instituição asilar no município de Jequié-BA. Na coleta de dados, realizou-se uma entrevista sobre informações sociodemográficas, sendo aplicado questionário sobre perfil do estado de saúde e nível de atividade física. Utilizaram-se procedimentos da estatística descritiva, através de medidas de tendência central, (média e mediana) e de dispersão (desvio-padrão), para variáveis numéricas e frequência simples, para variáveis categóricas. Calculou-se o nível de atividade física (NAF) segundo características sociodemográficas e estado de saúde. Nos resultados, observou-se que, 12,5% dos idosos foram classificados como ativos fisicamente e 87,5%, como inativos fisicamente. Indivíduos com idade mais avançada (com 80 ou mais) (14,3%), do sexo masculino (16,7%), com estado civil solteiro/separado (25,0%), não alfabetizado (14,3%) e de raça/cor branca (25,0%) apresentaram maior frequência de atividade física habitual. Um maior nível de independência (15,4%), percepção positiva da qualidade de vida (20,0%) e do estado de saúde (20,0%) e maior risco coronariano (20,0%) foram verificados nos indivíduos ativos fisicamente. O conhecimento sobre os fatores associados ao nível de atividade física habitual favorece o melhor direcionamento dos programas de atenção à saúde dos idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência. Faz-se necessário a realização de outros estudos no intuito de compreender melhor esta associação.   palavras-chave Atividade Física. Qualidade de Vida. Asilo.   abstract   This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with physical activity in elderly nursing homes. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, which was conducted with 16 individuals from a nursing home in Jequié-BA. To collect data, the following instruments were used: a questionnaire applied in the form of individual interviews with information sociodemographic profile of health status and physical activity level. We used descriptive statistics procedures to trace the profile of elderly subjects according to sociodemographic characteristics and health status. Physical activity level (PAL) was calculated according to sociodemographic characteristics and health status. The results showed that 12.5% of the elderly were classified as physically active and 87.5% as physically inactive. Individuals with more advanced age (80 or older) (14.3%), male (16.7%), with being single / separated (25.0%), illiterate (14.3%) and race / white (25.0%) had higher frequency of physical activity. A higher level of independence (15.4%), positive perceptions of quality of life (20.0%) and health (20.0%) and higher coronary risk (20.0%) were found for active individuals physically. Knowledge about the factors associated with level of habitual physical activity promotes improved targeting of programs for health care to elderly residents in long-stay institutions. It is necessary to conduct further studies in order to better understand this association.  keywords Physical Inactivity. Quality of Life. Asylum.

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