scholarly journals Physical Fitness in Upper Austrian Children Living in Urban and Rural Areas: A Cross-Sectional Analysis with More Than 18,000 Children

Author(s):  
Clemens Drenowatz ◽  
Franz Hinterkörner ◽  
Klaus Greier

Physical fitness is an important component in the development and health of children and adolescents. Given the equivocal results of previous research regarding the influence of the living environment on physical fitness, this study examined differences in physical fitness in urban and rural elementary school children in Upper Austria. A total of 18,168 (51% male) children between 6 and 11 years of age participated in anthropometric assessments and completed eight fitness tests that assessed cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular power, speed, agility, flexibility, and ball handling skills during a single test session in the school’s gymnasium. Urban living environment was associated with higher body weight (p = 0.01) and lower physical fitness (p < 0.01), except for flexibility, which was better in urban children (p < 0.01) and upper body strength (no difference), even after accounting for differences in body weight. Furthermore, it was shown that urban–rural differences in physical fitness are more pronounced in normal weight children and that these differences increase with age. These results highlight the potential of the living environment for the promotion of an active lifestyle that enhances physical fitness. The availability of safe spaces that facilitate unstructured and structured physical activity, as well as active transportation provide viable options for the promotion of physical fitness in children.

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iqbal Fahs ◽  
Zainab Khalife ◽  
Diana Malaeb ◽  
Mohammad Iskandarani ◽  
Pascale Salameh

Introduction. CVDs are largely driven by modifiable risk factors. This study sought to determine the awareness and prevalence of the modifiable CVDs risk factors among the Lebanese population.Methods. In a cross-sectional survey, 1000 participants aged ≥ 45 years were randomly selected from pharmacies and interviewed. The data was analyzed with SPSS version 21.0 software.Results. Differences between urban and rural areas include alcohol consumption (2.8% versus 1.7%;p=0.0001), cardioprotective vegetable servings (6.1% versus 2.3%;p=0.016), sedentary hours per day (18.6% versus 15.1%;p=0.002), and hypertension (38.5% versus 25.4%;p=0.001). The prevalence of overweight and obesity (77.3% versus 75.2%;p=0.468), smoking (39.3% versus 43.3%;p=0.232), diabetes (25.4% versus 21.4%;p=0.173), and dyslipidemia (25 versus 21.2%) was reported. Measurements revealed 19.3% of undiagnosed hypertension (12.4% versus 22.4%,p=0.001), 61.7% of hypertension (59.8% versus 62.6%;p=0.203), and 7.9% of undiagnosed diabetes (6.6% versus 8.6%;p=0.323). The declared awareness of CVDs risk factors was highest for smoking (91.5% versus 89.7%;p=0.339) and lowest for diabetes (54.4 versus 55.7%;p=0.692).Conclusion. This study has shown a high prevalence of modifiable CVDs risk factors in the Lebanese population ≥ 45 years, among which hypertension is the most prominent.


2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 371-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iza Cristina de Vasconcelos Martins Xavier ◽  
Carla Menêses Hardman ◽  
Maria Laura Siqueira de Souza Andrade ◽  
Mauro Virgilio Gomes de Barros

Objective: To compare the frequency of consumption of fruits, vegetables and soft drinks among adolescents living in urban and rural areas of Pernambuco State. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on secondary analysis of data from a representative sample of high school students in Pernambuco (n = 4,207, 14 - 19 years) was conducted. Data were collected through a previously validated questionnaire. Adolescents who reported a daily consumption of soft drinks and occasional consumption of fruits, juices and vegetables were classified as exposed to inadequate standard of consumption of these foods. The independent variable was the place of residence (urban/rural). Data were analyzed by frequency distribution, χ2 test and binary logistic regression. Results: It was observed that students residing in rural areas had a higher prevalence of occasional consumption of natural fruit juices (37.6%; 95%CI 36.1 - 39.0) than those living in urban areas (32.1%; 95%CI 30.7 - 33.6). The proportion of students exposed to daily consumption of soft drinks was higher among those who reported they lived in urban areas (65.0%; 95%CI 63.5 - 66.4) compared to those who reported living in rural areas (55.3%; 95%CI 53.8 - 56.9). Conclusion: Adolescent students living in rural areas had a higher prevalence of low consumption of natural fruit juices while those residing in urban areas had a higher prevalence of daily consumption of soda drinks.


Author(s):  
MR Begum ◽  
M Anaruzzaman ◽  
MSI Khan ◽  
M Yousuf

A cross sectional study was conducted to observe the factors affecting the productive performance of dairy cattle from northern rural areas of Bangladesh during July and September 2013. Data of 105 cows, 85 (80.95%) from local and 20 (19.05%) cows from cross breed, were randomly selected for the study. A binary logistic regression, expressed by odds ratio with 95% confidence interval, was done to determine the association of daily milk production categorized into ? 2 and > 2 liters (L), based on median, with the significant explanatory variables of body weight, age at first calving, lactation period, vitamin use, type of floor and milking person. The result demonstrated that the probability of milk production of >2 L was 6.16, 4.5, 20.65 and 5.7 times higher from the with animal body weight of >140 kg, age at first calving of >36 m, lactation period of >8 m and vitamin use than that of body weight of 140 kg, age at first calving of ?36 m, lactation period of ? 8 m, and not vitamin used respectively. The chance of milk production of > 2 L was 0.25 and 0.22 times lower for mud floor, and owner milking than that of brick floor and gowala (professional milking person) respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v4i2.22646 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 4 (2): 41-45, December, 2014


Author(s):  
Anna Garus-Pakowska ◽  
Mariusz Górajski ◽  
Ewelina Gaszyńska

(1) Background: Frequent contact of the dentist with potentially infectious material (PIM) is undeniable. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and type of injuries, as well as to identify barriers to reporting and barriers to the implementation of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among dentists from urban and rural areas. (2) Methods: We surveyed 192 dentists using an anonymous questionnaire. (3) Results: During the 12 months preceding the survey, 63% of dentists from the village and 58.8% of dentists from the city suffered at least one superficial cut, and deep cuts 15.1% and 17.6% respectively. Contact with PIM through spitting on the conjunctiva was 58.9% and 52.1% (village vs. city). Needle stick injuries were 50.4% and fingers were affected in 48.8% cases. The causes of injuries were: inattention 54.7%, rush 27%, unpredictable behavior of the patient 19%, recapping 18.2%. Work in the countryside was associated with a 1.95-times greater chance of not reporting injuries. The distance from a hospital with antiretroviral treatment may be a barrier to the implementation of PEP. (4) Conclusion: The circumstances of the injuries and the reasons for not applying for antiretroviral treatment point to the areas of necessary dentist education in this topic.


Author(s):  
Shailendra Meena ◽  
Pratibha Meena

Background: Nutrition education is defined as instruction or training intended to lead to acquired nutrition-related knowledge and/or nutrition-related skills and be provided in individual. It is also demonstrably capable of improving dietary behaviour and nutrition status on its own.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the urban and rural ICDS projects of Bhopal district, Madhya Pradesh from July 2014 to June 2015. Three types of instruments were used: NIPCCD Suposhan Guide, a structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements including weight, height and MUAC. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel and was analyzed by using EPI Info version 7.Results: As per Z score 7.9% children had normal weight (Z score above -1SD), 31.7% had mild underweight (Z score between -1SD to -2SD), 40.7% had moderate underweight (Z score between -2SD to -3SD) and 19.6% had severe underweight (Z score below -3SD). Reduction in moderate underweight was from 39.2% to 33.9% and in severe underweight it was from 19.3% to 15.2% in urban area. In the rural area reduction in moderate underweight was from 44.1% to 36.6% and in the severe underweight group it was from 20.4% to 9.7%.Conclusions: In our nutrition education intervention we found that a well planned, short, simple, focused and based on locally available food items delivered with little empathy can do a lot even in weaker sections of the society. 


2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 86-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Rohaizat Hassan ◽  
Mohd Fadhli Samsuri ◽  
Shamsul Azhar Shah ◽  
Nazarudin Safian ◽  
Zulkifli Md Zainuddin ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with of Premature Ejaculation &Erectile Dysfunctionamong Malaysian men. A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban and rural areas using standardized and validated self-administered questionnaires. A total of 319 samples were recruited for PE screening. The overall prevalence of PE was 31.7% with 20.7% and 40.8% for urban and rural area respectively. Depression, anxiety and frequent masturbation were significantly associated with PE. While For ED, infrequent sexual intercourse was the sole factor significantly associated with ED.PE and ED were highly prevalent in both urban and rural areas; with several significant preventable associated factors.


2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-79
Author(s):  
Lorena Patricia Gallardo Peralta

ABSTRACTThis research analyzes the differences in health in terms of belonging to a native Chilean ethnic group in the region of Arica and Parinacota. This is one of the first investigations in Chile and South America that analyze this dimension in the aging process. This is a quantitative and cross-sectional study. The sample consists of 493 Chilean elderly living in the far north of Chile. The application of the questionnaire was conducted through personal interviews. The study was conducted in urban and rural areas, including villages in the Chilean Altiplano. Scales internationally recognized geriatric research to measure the presence of symptoms of impaired health, dependence and depression were applied. The results of data analysis showed statistically significant differences in depression and health in terms of ethnic belonging, establishing a disadvantage for the elderly Indians. The findings confirm the heterogeneity of the aging process and the importance of the cultural aspects through belonged to a native ethnic group. For the field of social sciences this study confirms the need for gerontological contextualized interventions that positively discriminate against groups at riskRESUMENEsta investigación analiza las diferencias en salud en función de la pertenencia a una etnia originaria chilena en la región de Arica y Parinacota. Se trata de unas de las primeras investigaciones en Chile y en Sudamérica que analizan esta dimensión en el proceso de envejecimiento. Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo y transversal. La muestra está conformada por 493 personas mayores chilenas que residen en el extremo norte de Chile. La aplicación del cuestionario se realizó a través de entrevista personal. El estudio fue realizado en zona urbana y zonas rurales, incluyendo poblados del altiplano chileno. Se aplicaron escalas internacionalmente reconocidas en la investigación geriátrica para medir la presencia de síntomas de deterioro en salud, dependencia y depresión. Los resultados obtenidos en el análisis de datos muestran diferencias estadísticamente significativas en depresión y salud en función de la pertenecía étnica, estableciendo una desventaja para las personas mayores indígenas. Los hallazgos confirman la heterogeneidad del proceso de envejecimiento y la relevancia de los aspectos culturales a través de la pertenecía a una etnia originaria. Para el campo de las ciencias sociales este estudio confirma la necesidad de realizar intervenciones gerontológicas contextualizadas que discriminen positivamente a los grupos en riesgo social.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (E) ◽  
pp. 308-312
Author(s):  
Siham Lghoul ◽  
Mohamed Loukid ◽  
Mohamed Kamal Hilali

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is associated with many physical changes, it is described as a period when body weight changes and is likely to become worrying for many adolescents. AIM: This study aims to evaluate associations between body weight perception and body mass index (BMI) among a population of female adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted from February to May 2017 among 12–19 years olds adolescents (n = 415) from high and middle school. BMI for age percentiles was calculated using the WHO AnthroPlus. Body weight perception was determined using an anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of misconception of body weight was 60%. The prevalence of misconception was positively associated with the participants age (p < 0.001), the occurrence of menarche (p < 0.05), the increasing of BMI (p < 0.001), and with habits diet satisfaction (p < 0.05). Overweighed participants and who’s with normal weight were more likely to perceive their weight incorrectly (p < 0.05). Furthermore, approximately 2.9% of participants underestimated their true body weight and 57.1% overestimated their weight. However, all participants with underweight had correctly perceived their body weight. Logistic regression showed that predictor factors of misconception weight were participant’s age and BMI. CONCLUSION: It is recommended to improve healthy programs in schools aimed at preventing body weight perception and eating problems among adolescents.


Author(s):  
Sadia Jahan ◽  
Md. Saddam Hossain ◽  
Md. Anisur Rahman Bhuiyan ◽  
Susmita Roy Lisa ◽  
Somaia Haque Chadni

Aim: To evaluate the household iodine content and knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding salt iodization among the residents of Cumilla, Bangladesh. Subjects and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 700 inhabitants in Cumilla's urban and rural areas to determine the iodine concentration of salt they consume. The participants were asked about what they know about iodine deficiency and salt iodization as well as how their salt was packaged and stored. Among them, 338 people provided a sample of salt to be tested of its iodine content by the titrimetric method. Results: 46.57% of people knew that iodization was the best way to prevent iodine deficiency while 35.14% considered salt iodization during purchasing. Most people stored salt in plastic boxes (89.7%) and closed containers (84.14%).Among all participants, only 37.14% of people were aware of the iodine requirement during pregnancy. In urban regions, the median iodine content was 36.76 ppm (OR=0.658, 95% CI, 0.469-0.925), while in rural areas, the median iodine content was 40.92 ppm (OR=1.188, 95% CI, 1.022-1.380). Iodine levels were less than 15 ppm (minimum limit) in 6.8% of samples and greater than 40 ppm (maximum limit) in 56.5%. Only 36.7% of the salt samples contained adequate iodine. Conclusion: An effective and consistent approach for controlling iodine concentration in distributed salt is required at Cumilla, Bangladesh.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaodong Chen ◽  
Zeting Lin ◽  
Ran Gao ◽  
Yijian Yang ◽  
Liping Li

Abstract Background: To investigate the prevalence of falls and risk factors among older adults in urban and rural areas and to facilitate the design of fall prevention interventions.Methods: We used cluster random sampling to investigate the sociodemographic information, living habits, medical history, and falls among 649 older adult participants. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to examine fall risk factors in urban and rural areas.Results: The fall rate and rate of injury from falls among older adults in urban areas were 27.3% and 18.6%, respectively, which were higher than those in rural areas (17.0% and 12.2%; P<0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that the risk factors for falls among urban older adults included a high school or below education level (OR=3.737, 95% CI: 1.503~9.291); diabetes medicine use (OR=4.518, 95% CI: 1.228~16.626); incontinence (OR=8.792, 95% CI: 1.894~40.824); lack of fall prevention education (OR = 11.907, 95% CI: 1.321~107.354); and reduced balance function (OR = 3.901, 95% CI: 1.894~7.815). The risk factors among rural older adults included a previous nonfarming occupation (OR=2.496, 95% CI: 1.416~4.398); incontinence (OR =11.396, 95% CI: 1.901~68.327); poor living environment (OR=3.457, 95% CI: 1.488~8.033); and reduced balance function (OR =4.260, 95% CI: 2.361~7.688).Discussion: The rate of falls among older adults in urban areas is higher than that in rural areas of Shantou City. Fall prevention in urban areas should target older adults with low education and modify the diabetes medication use. Interventions should focus on improving the home environment of older adults in rural areas.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document