scholarly journals Prevalence of Physical Activity among Adolescents from 105 Low, Middle, and High-Income Countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 3145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adilson Marques ◽  
Duarte Henriques-Neto ◽  
Miguel Peralta ◽  
João Martins ◽  
Yolanda Demetriou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Health Policies ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Timor Leste ◽  
National Prevalence

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) is a beneficial health behaviour, however most adolescents worldwide are physically inactive. Updated information on the prevalence and trends of PA is important to inform national and international authorities and support countries’ public health policies and actions. This study aimed to present the worldwide, regional, and national prevalence of PA participation according to its frequency in adolescents. Methods: This study is based on cross-sectional surveys of adolescents’ populations from several countries and all regions worldwide. The sample comprised 520,533 adolescents (251,788 boys; 268,745 girls), from 105 countries and regions. Results: Most adolescents engaged in PA up to 3 days/week (57.1%; 95% CI: 56.9; 57.2). The prevalence of engaging in PA every day decreases over the age from 28.2% at age of 11–12 years (95% CI: 27.4; 29.0) to 21.2% at age of 16–17 years (95% CI: 20.3; 22.0) among boys; and from 19.4% (95% CI: 18.5; 20.2) to 11.1% (95% CI: 10.1; 12.0) among girls. For boys and girls who engaged in PA 5-6 days/week, the prevalence increases from countries with the lowest human development index to countries with the highest. Cambodia (7.3%, 95% CI: 3.8; 10.8), Philippines (7.7%, 95% CI: 5.6; 9.7), Sudan (8.8%, 95% CI: 4.7; 12.9), Timor-Leste (8.9%, 95% CI: 5.5; 12.3), and Afghanistan (10.1%, 95% CI: 6.1; 14.1) were the countries with the lowest prevalence of sufficient PA. Conclusions: National, regional, and worldwide data on the prevalence of physical activity in adolescents highlights the importance of improving the global levels of PA, especially in girls. Identifying the factors causing the age-related decrease in physical activity levels will permit public health entities to define priority actions and policies against physical inactivity.

Public health terminology: Hindrance to a Health in All Policies approach?

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen S. Synnevåg ◽  
Roar Amdam ◽  
Elisabeth Fosse
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Health In All Policies ◽  
Health Work ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Health Policies ◽  
National Public Health ◽  
The One

Aim: National public health policies in Norway are based on a Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach. At the local level, this means that public health, as a cross-sectional responsibility, should be implemented in all municipal sectors by integrating public health policies in municipal planning and management systems. The paper investigates these local processes, focusing on the use of public health terminology and how this terminology is translated from national to local contexts. We ask whether the terms ‘public health’ and ‘public health work’ are suitable when implementing an HiAP approach. Methods: A qualitative case study based on analyses of interviews and planning documents was performed in three Norwegian municipalities. Results: The results present dilemmas associated with using public health terminology when implementing an HiAP approach. On the one hand, the terms are experienced as wide, complex, advanced and unnecessary. On the other hand, the terms are experienced as important for a systematic approach towards understanding public health ideology and cross-sectional responsibility. One municipality used alternative terminology. Conclusions: This paper promotes debate about the appropriateness of using the terms ‘public health’ and ‘public health work’ at the local level. It suggests that adaptation is suitable and necessary, unless it compromises knowledge, responsibility and a systematic approach. This study concludes that the use of terminology is a central factor when implementing the Norwegian Public Health Act at the local level.

Policy Prescriptions for Healthier Communities

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trip Pollard
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Vehicle Pollution ◽  
Laws And Policies

Evidence of the health impacts of the built environment has increased rapidly. Studies have linked physical inactivity and motor-vehicle pollution to a range of health problems and have shown that activity levels and air quality are influenced by community design, land use, and transportation patterns. There is comparatively little awareness, however, of the role that laws and policies play in spurring sprawl and driving and of the opportunities to reorient current provisions to promote public health. This article summarizes the findings connecting the built environment to a variety of health problems. It then describes how current policies present barriers to physical activity and increase pollution by encouraging sprawl development and by offering few transportation choices. Finally, the article suggests ways to overcome these barriers by examining policies that can promote public health by making it easier to incorporate greater physical activity into our everyday lives and to reduce driving. Multidisciplinary partnerships are needed to pursue these policy prescriptions for healthier communities.

scholarly journals Dietary patterns in the French adult population: a study from the second French national cross-sectional dietary survey (INCA2) (2006–2007)

2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (2) ◽  
pp. 300-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Gazan ◽  
C. Béchaux ◽  
A. Crépet ◽  
V. Sirot ◽  
P. Drouillet-Pinard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Dietary Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Contaminant Exposure ◽  
Public Health Policies

AbstractIdentification and characterisation of dietary patterns are needed to define public health policies to promote better food behaviours. The aim of this study was to identify the major dietary patterns in the French adult population and to determine their main demographic, socio-economic, nutritional and environmental characteristics. Dietary patterns were defined from food consumption data collected in the second French national cross-sectional dietary survey (2006–2007). Non-negative-matrix factorisation method, followed by a cluster analysis, was implemented to derive the dietary patterns. Logistic regressions were then used to determine their main demographic and socio-economic characteristics. Finally, nutritional profiles and contaminant exposure levels of dietary patterns were compared using ANOVA. Seven dietary patterns, with specific food consumption behaviours, were identified: ‘Small eater’, ‘Health conscious’, ‘Mediterranean’, ‘Sweet and processed’, ‘Traditional’, ‘Snacker’ and ‘Basic consumer’. For instance, the Health-conscious pattern was characterised by a high consumption of low-fat and light products. Individuals belonging to this pattern were likely to be older and to have a better nutritional profile than the overall population, but were more exposed to many contaminants. Conversely, individuals of Snacker pattern were likely to be younger, consumed more highly processed foods, had a nutrient-poor profile but were exposed to a limited number of food contaminants. The study identified main dietary patterns in the French adult population with distinct food behaviours and specific demographic, socio-economic, nutritional and environmental features. Paradoxically, for better dietary patterns, potential health risks cannot be ruled out. Therefore, this study demonstrated the need to conduct a risk–benefit analysis to define efficient public health policies regarding diet.

scholarly journals Physical inactivity and headache disorders: cross-sectional analysis in the Brazilian longitudinal study of adult health (ELSA-Brasil)

2020 ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Arao Oliveira ◽  
Juliane Mercante ◽  
Mario Peres ◽  
Maria Molina ◽  
Paulo Lotufo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Headache Disorders ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Probable Migraine ◽  
Sectional Analysis

BackgroundPhysical inactivity has been linked to headache disorders, but data regarding the current recommended leisure-time (LTPA) and commuting physical activity (CPA) levels is unknown.ObjectiveTo test the associations between headache disorders (definite and probable migraine tension type headache-TTH) and physical inactivity in these domains (LTPA and CPA) in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).MethodsIn a cross-sectional analysis, logistic regression models computed the odds ratio (OR) for the relationship between headache disorders and physical activity (LTPA and CPA) in the following levels: “active” (Reference), “insuciently active”, and “inactive”. The full models were controlled for the effects of sociodemographic data, cardiovascular risk profile, and use of headache medication (migraine prophylaxis)ResultsOf 15,0105 participants, 14,847 (45.6 % of men and 54.4 % women) responded the baseline interviews regarding physical activity levels and headache disorders. Overall, most significant physical inactivity was observed in LTPA domain for definite migraine [OR: 1.32 (1.10-1.57)] and probable migraine [OR: 1.33 (1.17-1.50)]. Similar findings were replicated by sex. Physical inactivity (LTPA) was positively associated with definite migraine in women [OR: 1.29 (1.04-1.59)], probable migraine in both men [OR: 1.40 (1.15-1.69)] and women [OR: 1.29 (1.04-1.59)]. Physical inactivity in CPA domain was associated to increased OR for probable TTH in men [OR: 1.33 (1.01-1.75)], while CPA was inversely associated to definite migraine [OR: 0.79 (0.64-0.98)] and probable migraine [OR: 0.80 (0.67-0.96)] in women. Considering all headaches, unmet vigorous physical activity levels were associated to increased OR for definite migraine [OR: 1.36 (1.13-1.65)] and probable migraine [OR: 1.37 (1.20-1.57)]. Finally, we found higher odds for daily headaches among LTPA-inactive [OR: 1.73 (1.20-2.49)] and CPA-insufficiently active [ OR: 1.36 (1.04-1.79)] participants.ConclusionPhysical inactivity is associated with headache disorders in the ELSA-Brasil study, with distinct associations regarding headache subtype, sex, physical activity domain and intensity, and headache frequency.

scholarly journals Physical Activity and Telomere Biology: Exploring the Link with Aging-Related Disease Prevention

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew T. Ludlow ◽  
Stephen M. Roth
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Replicative Senescence ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Related Disease ◽  
Age Related ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Telomere Biology

Physical activity is associated with reduced risk of several age-related diseases as well as with increased longevity in both rodents and humans. Though these associations are well established, evidence of the molecular and cellular factors associated with reduced disease risk and increased longevity resulting from physical activity is sparse. A long-standing hypothesis of aging is the telomere hypothesis: as a cell divides, telomeres shorten resulting eventually in replicative senescence and an aged phenotype. Several reports have recently associated telomeres and telomere-related proteins to diseases associated with physical inactivity and aging including cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and hypertension. Interestingly several reports have also shown that longer telomeres are associated with higher physical activity levels, indicating a potential mechanistic link between physical activity, reduced age-related disease risk, and longevity. The primary purpose of this review is to discuss the potential importance of physical activity in telomere biology in the context of inactivity- and age-related diseases. A secondary purpose is to explore potential mechanisms and important avenues for future research in the field of telomeres and diseases associated with physical inactivity and aging.

Physical activity patterns and socio-demographic correlates of physical activity among medical undergraduates in Sri Lanka: an observational study

2017 ◽  
Vol 94 (1107) ◽  
pp. 32-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arjuna Medagama ◽  
Manoj Galgomuwa ◽  
Chinthani De Silva
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Demographic Correlates ◽  
Medical Undergraduates

BackgroundPhysical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for mortality worldwide and a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Medical undergraduates are a group of young adults expected to have a sound knowledge of the benefits of physical activity (PA) and have an active lifestyle.ObjectiveTo quantifyPA levels among medical undergraduates of a Sri Lankan university and to determine the socio-demographic correlates of physical inactivity.MethodsMedical undergraduates in their third, fourth and fifth years of study were recruited for this quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire.ResultsA total of 421 students were recruited. Overall 41% were physically inactive. Females (47%) were more inactive than males (34%). The total mean weekly metabolic equivalent (MET)-minutes was 1468.2±1873. Males (1676.2±1629) had a higher mean weekly MET minutes than females (1319±20102), p=0.05. 88% owned a portable internet device such as a smartphone or tablet. Students using health-related apps on their devices had significantly higherPA (p=0.01) and lower body mass index (BMI) (p=0.04), than those who did not. Binary logistic regression revealed physical inactivity to be significantly associated with gender (p=0.01), not using a health-promoting app on their portable device (p=0.01) and the year of study (p=0.03).ConclusionPhysical inactivity is a significant problem among medical undergraduates. The use of health applications was associated with a higher PA and lower BMI. The reasons for inactivity and the discrepancy in activity levels between males and females needs to be explored in greater detail.

scholarly journals Decreased prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia and stabilisation of obesity trends in 5-year-old children: possible effects of changed public health policies

2014 ◽  
Vol 170 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarina Sedej ◽  
Primož Kotnik ◽  
Magdalena Avbelj Stefanija ◽  
Urh Grošelj ◽  
Andreja Širca Čampa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Obesity Prevalence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Health Policies ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Obesity Trends ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundOverweight/obesity in children is a worldwide public health problem. Together with hypercholesterolaemia they are associated with early atherosclerotic complications.ObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to investigate the anthropometric characteristics and total cholesterol (TC) levels in a population of 5-year-old children, to determine trends in the prevalence of overweight/obesity and hypercholesterolaemia in 5-year-old children over a period of 8 years (2001–2009) and to assess the impact of modified national nutritional guidelines for kindergartens implemented in 2005.DesignCross-sectional studies of overweight/obesity prevalence in the years 2001, 2003–2005 and 2009, and hypercholesterolaemia in years 2001 and 2009, in 5-year-old children.SubjectsAltogether, 12 832 (6308 girls/6524 boys) children were included.MethodsOverweight/obesity was defined by IOTF criteria. Hypercholesterolaemia was defined by TC level >5 mmol/l. Multivariable logistic regression models were used.ResultsNo correlation between BMI values and TC levels was found. Overweight and obesity prevalence were stabilised from 2001 to 2009 (odds ratio (OR) (95% CI): 1.13 (0.99–1.3) and 1.13 (0.89–1.42) respectively). Girls were more frequently overweight/obese than boys (OR (95% CI): 0.71 (0.65–0.79) and 0.75 (0.64–0.89) respectively). Prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia significantly decreased from 2001 to 2009 (OR (95% CI): 0.47 (0.41–0.55)). It was less frequent in boys than in girls (OR (95% CI): O.7 (0.61–0.8)).ConclusionsThis is the first study to describe a negative trend in the prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia in pre-pubertal children. In addition, the prevalence of overweight/obesity in these children has been stabilised. Nationwide changes in public health policies could have influenced these observations.

scholarly journals Physical Activity and Sociodemographic Profile of Brazilian People during COVID-19 Outbreak: An Online and Cross-Sectional Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 7964 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo L. Vancini ◽  
Luiz Camargo-Neto ◽  
Claudio A. B. de Lira ◽  
Marília S. Andrade ◽  
Ricardo B. Viana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sociodemographic Variables ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Sociodemographic Profile

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has created an unprecedented impact on global health and further aggravated the physical inactivity pandemic. For this reason, the understanding of sociodemographic variables in the context of physical activity levels are important for the field of public health in order to assist in relevant public health decisions. Our main aim was to characterize sociodemographic variables and physical activity levels and their association with COVID-19 aspects. We applied an online Google survey with closed questions in Brazilian people of different age and regions, both sexes and physical activity levels (n = 1.726). Our main results were that participants who had symptoms of COVID-19 had the highest percentage of level 1 of physical activity (the lowest level according to the classification used) and those who showed no symptoms had the highest percentage of levels 2 and 3 of physical activity; that is, close to the light/moderate levels of physical activity. This cross-sectional study in the Brazilian population provided important sociodemographic data and COVID-19 aspects regarding the level of physical activity. It is possible to assume that the regular practice of physical activity could positively impact health status and quality of life and be a tool in the field of public health to cope (from a physical and mental point of view) with disease scenarios that require quarantine.

scholarly journals Evolution of the Habits of Physical Activity and Television Viewing in Spanish Children and Pre-Adolescents between 1997 and 2017

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose L. García-Soidán ◽  
Raquel Leirós-Rodríguez ◽  
Vicente Romo-Pérez ◽  
Víctor Arufe-Giráldez
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Television Viewing ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Tv Viewing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Health Policies ◽  
Spare Time ◽  
Public Health Institutions ◽  
Health Institutions

Background: Promoting healthy lifestyles in children, has become a priority for public health institutions. However, electronic devices with screens encourage sedentary behaviors. The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of the habits of physical activity practice and television watching in a cohort of 20 years of research in Spanish children. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was based on data from the Spain National Health Surveys between 1997 and 2017 (N = 11,444). The dependent variables considered were the frequency with which the minor practiced physical activity (PA) in his/her spare time, the daily TV viewing habit, and the daily hours of TV viewing. Results: The children who practiced physical activity daily has decreased 7.3% throughout the study period. The proportion of children who watched the television daily for more hours increased significantly (6.3%). Such increase was constant throughout the years, and the analysis by sex showed that the proportion of boys who watched television for more than three hours per day increased three percent, and that of girls increased fourfold. Conclusions: The habits of physical activity practice and television viewing have changed towards sedentary lifestyle. Particularly, the girls and the children between 12 and 14 years showed the most sedentary behavior. Public health policies must consider the differences between sexes in order for such interventions to be effective in the population of pre-adolescents, in general, and girls, in particular.

scholarly journals Quality of life of individuals with stroke and their caregivers in a city of Triângulo Mineiro

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 453-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Lícia de Lima ◽  
Jair Lício Ferreira Santos ◽  
Namie Okino Sawada ◽  
Lívia Aparecida Pereira de Lima
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Health Policies ◽  
Stroke Group

Objective: To compare the quality of life (QoL) of individuals with stroke and their caregivers. Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional survey, involving 83 individuals who suffered a stroke. The participants were divided into four groups: group of individuals with stroke who have caregivers (44), group of individuals with stroke without caregivers (39), group of caregivers (44) and a reference group (83) in the period of March to May 2010. To assess QoL, the instrument used was the WHOQOL-bref. Results: The highest scores for the four fields were observed increasingly for the group of individuals with stroke with caregivers, the stroke group without caregivers followed by the group of caregivers and the reference group. The comparison of scores between groups showed that the presence of stroke and the fact of being caregiver affect QoL in all domains of WHOQOL-bref. Conclusion: It was possible to understand the negative impact that stroke causes in the lives of the affected ones and their caregivers, in order to better target public health policies.

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