Physical Activity Levels and Self-Reported Risk-Taking Behavior among Rural Australian and American 7th–9th Grade Adolescents

1998 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 345-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P. Savage ◽  
Derek R. Holcomb
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
The United States ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Drinking Alcohol ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Risk Taking Behaviors

This study compares self-reported physical activities and selected health behaviors (i.e., participation in physical activity, alcohol and cigarette use, perceived level of energy, and satisfaction with body weight) of a sample of seventh and ninth grade adolescents from Australia and the United States. A modified version of the Personal Wellness Profile 400™ (PWP 400) was used to measure adolescents' participation in physical activity and health behaviors. Five of the seven items studied showed significant differences ( p < .05). Ninety-seven percent of Australian adolescents reported they engaged in physical activity long enough to work up a sweat four or more times per week, compared to 94 percent of U.S. adolescents. The Australian cohort, however, reported a significantly higher level of ever smoking (34.1% vs. 12.3%), and drinking alcohol during the past year than did U.S. adolescents (55.0% vs. 16.0%). Male adolescents demonstrated significant differences on five of the seven items measured. Australian males reported greater participation in physical activity, smoking and drinking, and reported they had higher levels of energy than did U.S. males. The female adolescents also demonstrated significant differences on five of the seven items measured, e.g., over 76 percent of Australian females reported engaging in strength exercises at least once a week compared to 59 percent of U.S. females, and only 23 percent of Australian females reported they were sedentary compared to 41 percent of U.S. females. Finally, the relationship between physical activity and involvement with risk-taking behaviors and health-related attitudes for both samples was examined. Increased activity was associated with less smoking, more satisfaction with body weight, and perceived higher energy level for U.S. adolescents. Drinking alcohol was not associated with activity level for U.S. adolescents. For Australian adolescents there was no association between physical activity and risk-taking behaviors and health-related attitudes. Future research should continue to examine cultural differences.

scholarly journals Hispanic Male’s Perspectives of Health Behaviors Related to Weight Management

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1547-1559 ◽  
Author(s):  
David O. Garcia ◽  
Luis A. Valdez ◽  
Steven P. Hooker
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Health Beliefs ◽  
The United States ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hispanic Males ◽  
Semistructured Interviews

Hispanic males have the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity among men in the United States; yet are significantly underrepresented in weight loss research. The purpose of the current study was to examine Hispanic male’s perspectives of health behaviors related to weight management to refine the methodologies to deliver a gender-sensitive and culturally sensitive weight loss intervention. From October 2014 to April 2015, semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 overweight Hispanic men of ages 18 to 64 years. The interviews lasted approximately 60 minutes. Participants also completed a brief questionnaire and body weight/height were measured. Grounded in a deductive process, a preliminary codebook was developed based on the topics included in the interview guides. A thematic analysis facilitated the identification of inductive themes and the finalization of the codebook used for transcript analysis. Four overarching themes were identified: (a) general health beliefs of how diet and physical activity behaviors affect health outcomes, (b) barriers to healthy eating and physical activity, (c) motivators for change, and (d) viable recruitment and intervention approaches. Future research should examine feasible and appropriate recruitment and intervention strategies identified by Hispanic males to improve weight management in this vulnerable group.

scholarly journals Personality Traits, Coping, Health-related Behaviors, and Cumulative Physiological Health in a National Sample: 10 Year Prospective Effects of Conscientiousness via Perceptions of Activity on Allostatic Load

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (11) ◽  
pp. 880-892
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Milad ◽  
Tim Bogg
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Allostatic Load ◽  
Coping Styles ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Related Behaviors ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Background Personality traits, coping styles, and health-related behaviors show associations with various aspects of health. However, integrative life-course investigations of pathways by which these factors might affect later cumulative physiological health risk remain sparse. Purpose To investigate prospective associations of personality traits via coping styles and health-related behaviors on allostatic load in a national sample. Methods Using data from the Midlife in the United States study (MIDUS; N = 1,054), path analyses were used to test direct and indirect associations (via coping styles, smoking, frequency of alcohol consumption, leisure-time physical activity, and perceptions of activity) of personality traits on a latent measurement model of allostatic load informed by 10 biomarkers associated with cardiovascular, inflammation, glucose, and lipid subsystems. Results Direct 10 year associations of greater conscientiousness on healthier allostatic load and greater extraversion on less healthy allostatic load were observed. Consistent with hypothesized behavioral pathways, relationships between conscientiousness and extraversion on allostatic load were prospectively mediated by greater perceptions of activity. Physical activity and more frequent alcohol use were associated with healthier allostatic load but did not act as prospective mediators. Conclusions The results provide further evidence of conscientiousness’ standing as a marker of health via cumulative physiological health. Moreover, a greater perception of activity was identified as a pathway through which conscientious individuals experienced healthier physiological profiles over time. Examining a more detailed picture of the psychosocial mechanisms leading to development of health risk, as was found with perceptions of activity, remains an important area for future research.

scholarly journals Utilizing Participatory Research to Engage Underserved Populations to Improve Health-Related Outcomes in Delaware

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2353
Author(s):  
Shannon M. Robson ◽  
Samantha M. Rex ◽  
Katie Greenawalt ◽  
P. Michael Peterson ◽  
Elizabeth Orsega-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
Cooperative Extension ◽  
Underserved Populations ◽  
Community Outreach ◽  
Outreach Program ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Improve Health

Cooperative Extension is a community outreach program. Despite its large reach, there is a need for the evaluation of changes in health-related outcomes for individuals engaged with Cooperative Extension. A team-based challenge was developed using community-engaged participatory research integrated with Cooperative Extension to encourage healthy eating and physical activity behaviors through Cooperative Extension programming. Thus, the primary purpose of this secondary analysis was to (1) evaluate changes in anthropometric outcomes and (2) evaluate changes in health behavior outcomes. Associations of anthropometric changes and health behavior changes with engagement in the three-month team-based challenge were explored. Anthropometrics were measured using standard procedures, and intake of fruits and vegetables and physical activity were self-reported. Of the 145 participants in the community-engaged participatory research portion of the study, 52.4% (n = 76) had complete anthropometrics before and after the team-based challenge and were included in this study. At 3 months, there was a significant reduction in body mass index (−0.3 kg/m2, p = 0.024) and no significant change in waist circumference (p = 0.781). Fruit and vegetable intake significantly increased (+0.44 servings/day, p = 0.018). Physical activity did not significantly change based on (1) the number of days 30 or more minutes of physical activity was conducted (p = 0.765) and (2) Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire scores (p = 0.612). Changes in anthropometrics and health behaviors were not associated with engagement in the team-based challenge. Using community-engaged participatory research with community outreach programs, such as Cooperative Extension, can improve health-related outcomes in underserved populations. However, despite a participatory approach, changes in anthropometrics and health behaviors were not associated with engagement in the developed team-based challenge.

scholarly journals Physical activity level of adult cats with varied feeding frequency

2011 ◽  
Vol 106 (S1) ◽  
pp. S166-S169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Deng ◽  
Ryan W. Grant ◽  
Kelly S. Swanson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Feeding Time ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Feeding Frequency ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Adult Cats

The prevalence of feline obesity is influenced by numerous factors, including inactivity and overconsumption of food. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of feeding frequency on physical activity in adult cats. A total of twelve healthy adult cats were used in a cross-over study consisting of 32 d. In each of the two periods, six cats were fed either two meals or four meals daily. Throughout the study, cats were fed the same diet at amounts to maintain body weight and body condition score. Cats were individually housed 4 h/d at each scheduled feeding time, while for the other 20 h, cats were group-housed to allow for voluntary physical activity in the room with a 16 h light–8 h dark cycle. Voluntary activity levels were evaluated using Actical activity collars for seven consecutive days in each period. Daily average activity level for two-meal-fed cats (20·04 (sem 2·19), activity counts/epoch (15 s)) was not different from four-meal-fed cats (20·14 (sem 2·15), activity counts/epoch (15 s); P>0·05). In conclusion, when group-housed cats are fed to maintain their body weight and body condition score, varied feeding frequency between twice and four times daily may not affect activity levels.

When is it Ethical to Inform Administrators about Student Risk-Taking Behaviors? Perceptions of School Counselors

2012 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 2156759X1201500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael S. Moyer ◽  
Jeremy R. Sullivan ◽  
David Growcock
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
School Counselors ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
School Administrators ◽  
The United States ◽  
Student Risk ◽  
Risk Taking Behaviors ◽  
Perceptions Of School

School counselors from across the United States responded to a survey asking when they should break confidentiality and report student risk-taking behaviors to school administrators. Generally, counselors believed it to be more ethical to break confidentiality when the behaviors were directly observed (as opposed to reported by students) and when the behaviors occurred on school grounds during school hours. Results also suggest counselors were more willing to break confidentiality when their school had a written policy guiding their actions. All behaviors showed some variance among respondents, suggesting a lack of agreement regarding when it is appropriate to break confidentiality and report risk-taking behaviors to administrators. This article discusses implications and suggestions for school counselors.

Physical Health Promotion through Modern Technologies

2016 ◽  
pp. 889-907
Author(s):  
Sandul Yasobant
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Interactive Video ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Future Research Directions

Health promotion and the maintenance of the quality of life are realized recently. Advancement in technologies offer new possibilities for both the promotion of positive health behaviors that were unimaginable even a decade ago. Though promoting physical activity has been proven an important component of health promotion by many researchers, still a lot of efforts on how to improve physical activity being provided by group of researchers. Technology such as pedometers, accelerometers, and heart rate monitors have been used to promote physical activity for years. Newer technologies such as global positioning system (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), interactive video games, and persuasive technology, Internet-based physical activity interventions have been used recently to promote and change exercise behavior. This chapter seeks to provide a complete insight of technologies used to changing health behaviors especially physical health promotion and will take a forward to analyses all the issues while using these technologies and future research directions.

scholarly journals Adolescent Water Safety Behaviors, Skills, Training and Their Association with Risk-Taking Behaviors and Risk and Protective Factors

Children ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 301
Author(s):  
Isabell Sakamoto ◽  
Sarah Stempski ◽  
Vijay Srinivasan ◽  
Tien Le ◽  
Elizabeth Bennett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Water ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
The United States ◽  
Washington State ◽  
Socioeconomic Disparities ◽  
Water Safety ◽  
Risk Taking Behaviors ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Background: Drowning remains the third leading cause of unintentional injury death for adolescents in the United States. Aims: This study described adolescent swimming lessons, behaviors (life jacket wear while boating) and comfort (swimming in deep water) and their association with protective and risk factors and risk-taking behaviors reported by Washington State students in Grades 8, 10, 12, primarily comprised of youth ages 13 to 18 years. Methods: This study used the 2014 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey (HYS), a publicly available dataset. Results: Most students reported having had swimming lessons, using life jackets, and comfort in deep water. Differences reflected racial, ethnic and socioeconomic disparities: being White or Caucasian, speaking English at home and higher maternal education. Lowest rates of comfort in deep water were among Hispanics or Latino/Latinas followed by Blacks or African Americans. Greater life jacket wear while boating was reported by females, those in lower grades and negatively associated with alcohol consumption, sexual activity and texting while driving. Having had swimming lessons was associated with fewer risk-taking behaviors. Conclusions: The HYS was useful to benchmark and identify factors associated with drowning risk among adolescents. It suggests a need to reframe approaches to promote water safety to adolescents and their families. Multivariate analysis of this data could identify the key determinants amongst the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities noted and provide stronger estimation of risk-taking and protective behaviors.

Student Risk-Taking Behaviors: When Do School Counselors Break Confidentiality?

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 2156759X0801100
Author(s):  
Michael Moyer ◽  
Jeremy Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
School Counselors ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
The United States ◽  
High School Counselors ◽  
Adolescent Risk ◽  
Student Risk ◽  
Perceived Dangerousness ◽  
Risk Taking Behaviors

A total of 204 middle and high school counselors from across the United States responded to a survey in which they were asked to determine whether they view specific adolescent risk-taking behaviors of varying intensity, frequency, and duration as warranting parental notification. Results suggest that counselors’ perceptions that it is ethical to break confidentiality and report the risk-taking behaviors increased when the behaviors were more intense, more frequent, and of longer duration. Further, although there was less ambiguity regarding the perceived dangerousness of some behaviors (e.g., suicidal ideation), all behaviors showed some variance or disagreement among respondents with regard to their willingness to break confidentiality. Implications and suggestions for school counselors are considered.

scholarly journals The FLASHE Study: A Publicly Available Data Resource

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1337-1337
Author(s):  
Linda Nebeling ◽  
Laura Dwyer ◽  
April Oh
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Accelerometer Data ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Data Resource ◽  
Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Funding Sources

Abstract Objectives The Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health and Eating (FLASHE) survey was conducted in 2014 to collect information on eating, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and behavioral correlates from a national sample of parent-adolescent dyads in the United States. It is a publicly available data resource which can be used to research questions about psychosocial, generational, household and neighborhood correlates of health behaviors. Methods Data were collected from dyads of caregivers and their adolescent children (ages 12–17) (n = 1072 completed dyads) between April – October 2014. Two surveys for each respondent: one on diet-related behaviors and one on physical activity-related behaviors were collected. An additional 407 dyads wore an accelerometer for seven days and completed an activity log. A ‘geoFLASHE’ dataset used parent-provided address information for home and school to geocode these locations and compute a set of variables applied to several different neighborhood definitions, including both circular and street-network buggers with distances ranging from 400 – 1200 meters. Accelerometer variables were computed for a subset of adolescents who wore an Actigraph Gt3x+ for seven days and includes estimates from raw and activity counts data. Training webinars on dyadic analytical methods, models and applications were provided. Results The geoFLASHE dataset includes variables for neighborhood, socioeconomic status factor, factor scores for built environment characteristics (high density, older neighborhood, and short commutes), and other variables for each buffer configuration. The adolescent accelerometer dataset offers summary variables of accelerometer data and minute-level estimates of light, moderate, and vigorous activity using Crouter, Chandler, and GGIR processing methods. Additionally, training webinar, questionnaires, survey data files and codebooks are available. Conclusions The FLASHE study data resources can be used to understand cancer-related health behaviors in family dyads. Funding Sources FLASHE study was funded by the National Cancer Institute under contract number HHSN2612012000391 issued to Westat, Inc.

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