Inmates’ physical activity as part of the health ecology

Open Medicine ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 679-684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vidmantas Vaiciulis ◽  
Saulius Kavaliauskas ◽  
Ricardas Radisauskas

AbstractTo evaluate the possibilities of physical activity in developing inmates’ healthy lifestyle and social skills. The research, which was conducted in 2009 in Pravieniskes First and Second Correction Houses, was local and cross-sectional using a written questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of four groups of questions/statements: I — demographic questions; II — questions/statements about inmates’ physical (sports) activities (was created for this study) and III — assessment of inmates’ social skills. And IV — assessment of inmates’ self esteem. Sufficiently physically active inmates (n=185) comprised 57.8 percent of the total number of respondents. Inmates’ physical activity statistically significantly (p<0.05) correlates with their younger age. Secondary education is prevailing in the group of physically active inmates, while primary — lower secondary education predominates in the group of physically inactive inmates (n=135). Only less than 6 percent of inmates have higher education. The average age of physically active inmates is statistically significantly lower than that of physically inactive inmates, 26 and 31.6 years respectively (p=0.01). The analysis of inmates’ contentment with their psychological state and satisfaction with health care services, food quality, and conditions for sports activities showed that physically active inmates are more critical about these factors than physically inactive inmates. Only the contentment with psychological state in physically active inmates is statistically significantly higher than in inactive inmates. Out of eleven social skills assessed in the study, only two skills (ability to initiate conversation with a stranger and sense of responsibility) are statistically significant (p<0.05). The probability that the convicts who have a strong sense of responsibility tend to be more physically active than the inmates who do not consider themselves responsible is 7.4 times higher. The study results showed that self-esteem in physically active inmates is statistically significantly higher that in physically inactive inmates (p=0.033). Low self-esteem was not determined in any inmates.

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 498-502
Author(s):  
Antonio Filipe Pereira Caetano ◽  
Diego Augusto Santos Silva ◽  
Priscila Custódio Martins ◽  
José Jean de Oliveira Toscano

ABSTRACT Introduction: Physical exercise has been considered an important non-pharmacological treatment for reducing tiredness, pain, low self-esteem and increases in body mass in individuals diagnosed with cancer. Objective: To verify the relationship between fatigue, quality of life and levels of physical activity in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 85 adult patients undergoing cancer treatment at a university hospital. Physical activity was assessed by the IPAQ, and fatigue and quality of life by the PFS and EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires, respectively. Student's t and the Fisher's Exact tests were used to identify differences between active and physically inactive patients for the variables fatigue and quality. Additionally, covariance analysis (ANCOVA) was used, in which simple (outcome and exposure) and adjusted models (age, time of diagnosis and type of cancer) were tested. Results: The study included 85 cancer patients, with a mean of 51.78 years of age (±11.72). Most were female and not physically active. Patients classified as physically inactive had higher scores for “total fatigue” (p=0.01), “behavioral” (p=0.01), “affective” (p=0.02) and psychological/sensory fatigue (p=0.04), compared to the physically active patients (p=0.01). Patients classified as physically not very active presented poorer quality of life in the dimensions: “overall” quality of life (p=0.05) and “functional” (p=0.04), “appetite” (p=0.02), “insomnia” (p=0.0 2), “diarrhea” (p=0.04), “fatigue” (p=0.01), “pain” (p=0.01) and “nausea” (p=0.03), when compared to the physically active patients in both analyses; simple and adjusted. Conclusion: The practice of physical activity during treatment can be a determining factor for increasing quality of life and reducing fatigue in cancer patients, minimizing the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Level of evidence II; retrospective study.


2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrej Kirbiš ◽  
Marina Tavčar Krajnc ◽  
Bojan Musil

Introduction: Frequent physical activity has previously been found associated with numerous health benefits, yet it is unequally distributed across social strata, including in Slovenia. The aim of the present study was to examine the frequency of and inequalities in physical activity among Slovenian youth. Methods: A representative cross-sectional study of 907 men and women aged 16–27 years (x̄age = 21.90, s = 3.25, 48.3 % women) living in Slovenia was carried out examining the determinants of physical activity (measured with a single item on the frequency of physical activity in previous 7 days). Results: More than four out of ten young people (41.3 %) reported being vigorously physically active for at least 20 minutes daily only on only two days or less in the previous week. Regression analysis indicated that eight predictor variables explained 4.2 % of the variance (Adjusted R2 = 3.4 %) in physical activity. Male gender was the only significant predictor of more frequent physical activity (β = 0.20, p < 0.001). In addition, interaction effect was detected with gender moderating the association between age and physical activity (β = -0.10, p < 0.05). Discussion and conclusion: Socioeconomic gradient in physical activity was not detected. Future studies should examine additional indicators of socioeconomic status and deprivation. The study results could provide a basis for programmes and interventions on physical activity that should target especially young women.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monira Ibrahim Aldhahi ◽  
Mohammed M. Alshehri ◽  
Abdulfattah Saeed Alqahtani

Abstract Background Engaging in physical activity (PA) has been proved to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. In patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), diminished PA predicts high overall mortality. However, it is unknown to what extent participation in PA is associated with PAD severity. Therefore, the overarching aim of this study was to investigate the association between PAD severity and PA levels using the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) database. Methods This was a cross-sectional cohort study that included 495 participants with PAD and a total of 14,536 participants without PAD from the HCHS/SOL database. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was administered to assess the time spent weekly in performing moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) during work, leisure time, and transportation. The Ankle–Brachial Index (ABI) was used to measure PAD. PA status was categorized on the basis of MVPA as follows: physically active (MVPA ≥ 150 min) and physically inactive (combined MVPA < 150 min). Eventually, the total sample was then classified as follows: normal ABI and physically active, normal ABI but physically inactive, PAD and physically active, and PAD but physically inactive. Regression models were used to investigate the association between different types of PA and the severity of PAD. Results Of the participants, 235 (47%) were involved in no to insufficient PA, and 260 (53%) engaged in at least 150 min/week of MVPA. The majority of participants (54%) with mild PAD were physically active, and 58% of those with severe PAD were physically inactive. After adjustment for covariates (age, sex, education, smoking status, body mass index, and statins), inactive people with a diagnosis of PAD were more likely to have severe PAD (β = .79, p = .02). In addition, decreases in work-related PA, total metabolic equivalents, and total PA were associated with increased PAD severity. Conclusions It was found that MVPA patterns were associated with PAD severity, and they explained high severity among patients with PAD who were physically inactive. These findings highlight the necessity of interventions in increasing PA in these participants. Future studies are required to identify appropriate exercise regimens or home-based programs to help patients with severe PAD meet the current PA recommendations.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristiina Sari Anne Ojala ◽  
Pertti Raimo Tapio Huotari ◽  
Jari Juhani Villberg ◽  
Jorma Antero Tynjälä

Abstract Background Physical activity promotes a positive physical self-image, but less is known about whether the positive effect covers the general self-evaluation of adolescent appearance. The purpose of the study was to explore the association between physical activity and body-esteem in 15-year-old Finnish adolescents, via a country-representative cross-sectional study. Methods The data for the study were drawn from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study from 122 schools, comprising 15-year-old adolescents (N=1956) in Finland in 2014. The main measures were self-reported (i) moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and (ii) Body-esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA). The measures also covered other relevant factors for body image, as highlighted in previous studies. A mixed effects linear regression analysis for body-esteem was conducted. The explanatory variables included were (i) MVPA; (ii) weight status, as defined by the international (IOTF) body mass index with cut-offs for thinness, overweight, and obesity; (iii) self-esteem; and (iv) socio-economic status. The covariates in the model were maturation state and ethnic background. Results In both genders, the body-esteem score increased linearly with physical activity. It was highest among adolescents who reported having been engaged in MVPA corresponding to the international recommendation for adolescents’ physical activity. MVPA was a significant determinant for body-esteem in boys, but not in girls. In both genders, lower body-esteem was in part explained by obesity, but general self-esteem was by far the most significant factor determining body-esteem. Conclusions The several positive effects of physical activity provide feasible explanations as to why body-esteem was higher among physically active adolescents than among those who were less physically active. However, physical activity was a significant determinant for body-esteem only in boys. The difference between genders should be taken into consideration in efforts to promote health and physical activity.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 734-740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon J. Sebire ◽  
Anne M. Haase ◽  
Alan A. Montgomery ◽  
Jade McNeill ◽  
Russ Jago

Background:The current study investigated cross-sectional associations between maternal and paternal logistic and modeling physical activity support and the self-efficacy, self-esteem, and physical activity intentions of 11- to 12-year-old girls.Methods:210 girls reported perceptions of maternal and paternal logistic and modeling support and their self-efficacy, self-esteem and intention to be physically active. Data were analyzed using multivariable regression models.Results:Maternal logistic support was positively associated with participants’ self-esteem, physical activity self-efficacy, and intention to be active. Maternal modeling was positively associated with self-efficacy. Paternal modeling was positively associated with self-esteem and selfefficacy but there was no evidence that paternal logistic support was associated with the psychosocial variables.Conclusions:Activity-related parenting practices were associated with psychosocial correlates of physical activity among adolescent girls. Logistic support from mothers, rather than modeling support or paternal support may be a particularly important target when designing interventions aimed at preventing the age-related decline in physical activity among girls.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Sadat Rezai ◽  
Catherine Marie Burns

BACKGROUND There have been challenges in designing effective behaviour-change interventions, including those that promote physical activity. One of the key reasons is that many of those systems do not account for individuals’ characteristics and their psychological differences, which affect their approach toward adopting target behaviour. For decades, tailoring has been used as a common technique to effectively communicate health-related information to persuade people to follow a healthier living. However, its use in the design of persuasive technologies has not been adequately investigated. OBJECTIVE The objective of this research is to explore the effects of tailoring when it is grounded in Higgins’ regulatory focus theory. METHODS A combination of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies has been proposed to examine how individuals’ intention to become more physically active would be affected by receiving health messages that may or may not match their self-regulatory orientation. The research would also subjectively, as well as objectively, measures the changes in individuals’ physical activity level. RESULTS The anticipated completion date for the consequent studies is December 2016. CONCLUSIONS In this article, the importance of refining message-framing research questions and a stepwise approach to develop an efficient experimental design to examine a new tailoring strategy is discussed. A set of small studies is proposed that would inform the best approach to design the principal experiment. The findings of principal experiment will provide a deeper insight into the relationship between regulatory-focus theory, persuasive message construction, and individuals’ physical activity behaviour.


Author(s):  
Katarzyna Kwiatkowska ◽  
Katarzyna Kosińska-Kaczyńska ◽  
Izabela Walasik ◽  
Agnieszka Osińska ◽  
Iwona Szymusik

Background: No specific physical activity guidelines are available for women in multiple pregnancy. Aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and experience of women regarding physical activity during their latest twin pregnancy. Methods: A cross-sectional study including women after a twin delivery was conducted in Poland. A questionnaire was distributed in 2018 via web pages and Facebook groups designed for pregnant women. Results: 652 women filled out the questionnaire completely. Only 25% of women performed any physical exercises during twin gestation. The frequency of preterm delivery was similar in physically active and non-active participants. 35% of the respondents claimed to have gained information on proper activity from obstetricians during antenatal counselling while 11% claimed to be unable to identify the reliable sources of information. 7% of women admitted to feel discriminated by social opinion on exercising during a twin pregnancy. Conclusions: The population of women with a twin gestation is not sufficiently physically active and is often discouraged from performing exercises during gestation. Therefore, it is crucial to inform obstetricians to recommend active lifestyle during a twin gestation and to provide reliable information on physical activity to pregnant women. Further research on this topic is necessary in order for obstetric providers to counsel women on appropriate exercise with a twin pregnancy.


Author(s):  
Hadia Radwan ◽  
Mahra Al Kitbi ◽  
Hayder Hasan ◽  
Marwa Al Hilali ◽  
Nada Abbas ◽  
...  

Background: Lockdown measures were implemented in many countries to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, such restrictions could precipitate unintended negative consequences on lifestyle behaviors. The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and determinants of unhealthy behavior changes during the COVID-19 lockdown among residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey of adults residing in the UAE was carried out during lockdown (n = 2060). Using a multi-component questionnaire, the collected data included questions regarding the following lifestyle changes: Increased dietary intake, increased weight, decreased physical activity, decreased sleep, and increased smoking. An unhealthy lifestyle change score was calculated based on the number of unhealthy lifestyle changes each participant reported. In addition, sociodemographic and living conditions information was collected. Descriptive statistics as well as simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the prevalence and determinants of the unhealthy lifestyle changes considered in this study. Results: Among the unhealthy lifestyle changes examined, increased food intake was the most common (31.8%), followed by decreased physical activity (30%), increased weight (29.4%), decreased sleep (20.8%), and increased smoking (21%). In addition to identifying the correlates of each of the aforementioned lifestyle changes, the results of the multiple regression linear analyses revealed the following correlates for the overall unhealthy lifestyle change score: females (β = 0.32, CI: 0.22; 0.42), living in an apartment (β = 0.12, CI: 0.003; 0.23) and being overweight/obese (β = 0.24, CI: 0.15; 0.32) had higher scores, while older adults (>40 years) had lower scores (β = −0.23, CI: −0.34; −0.12). Conclusions: The COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in a high prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and practices among UAE residents. The findings of this study provided the evidence base for officials to design interventions targeting high-risk groups and aiming to improve healthy lifestyle factors among residents during the pandemic.


2021 ◽  
pp. 089011712098583
Author(s):  
Mats Hallgren ◽  
Davy Vancampfort ◽  
Thi-Thuy-Dung Nguyen ◽  
Elin Ekblom-Bak ◽  
Peter Wallin ◽  
...  

Purpose: To describe physical activity habits, sedentary behavior, and cardiorespiratory fitness levels among alcohol abstainers, hazardous and non-hazardous drinkers. Design: Cross-sectional study with data collected between 2017-19. Setting: Sweden. Subjects: Adults aged 18-65 years (n = 47,559; 59.4% male). Measures: During a routine health assessment, participants answered validated single-item questions regarding: habitual physical activity, structured exercise, and the percentage of time spent sedentary during leisure-time (past 30 days), and completed a 6-minute cycle ergometer test (V02max) to determine cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Participants were categorized as alcohol abstainers, non-hazardous drinkers or hazardous drinkers (low/high) based on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) cut-points for men and women. Analysis: Logistic regression models stratified by sex and age. Results: Compared to non-hazardous drinkers, the heaviest drinkers were less physically active (males: OR = 1.38, CI = 1.13-1.67, p = .001; females: OR = 1.41, CI = 1.01-1.97, p = .040) and more sedentary during leisure time (males: OR = 1.94, CI = 1.62-2.32, p = .000; females: OR = 1.62, CI = 1.21-2.16, p = .001). Apart from young females, the heaviest drinkers also did less structured exercise than non-hazardous drinkers (males: OR = 1.22, CI = 1.15-1.51, p = .000; females: OR = 1.43, CI = 1.15-1.78, p = .001). The strongest associations were seen among adults aged 40-65 years (shown here). High-hazardous drinking was associated with low CRF among older males only (OR = 1.19, CI = 1.00-1.41). Conclusion: Middle-aged adults with AUDIT-C scores of ≥6 (women) and ≥7 (men) were less physically active and more sedentary during leisure time and may be appropriate targets for physical activity interventions.


Author(s):  
Sergio Pulido Sánchez ◽  
Damián Iglesias Gallego

Interest in analyzing physically active behaviors during school recesses has grown in recent years as the school environment has consolidated (recess, physical education classes, lunch-time, before and after school) as a crucial space to bring these levels towards those recommended through intervention programs and improvements in the school environment. Unfortunately, in most of these studies, children do not achieve the 60 min a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommended by the World Health Organization. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the cross-sectional, longitudinal, and intervention studies objectively measured with accelerometers that have emerged in recent years to determine the amount of MVPA of children at recess. This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The extraction process for the studies included in this systematic review yielded a total of 43 articles. The studies were classified according to the methodological nature of the research: cross-sectional (n = 34), longitudinal (n = 3) and quasi-experimental (n = 6). The results of the studies confirm that during the recess period younger children are physically more active than older ones and that in general, boys are more physically active than girls. In addition, the data show that the school contributes to more than 40% of the total MVPA. The intervention programs led to an increase in MVPA of up to 5%. Providing schools with equipment and facilities shows that intervention programs are beneficial for raising children’s levels of physical activity.


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