scholarly journals Guidelines for Physical Activity—A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Their Application in the General Population. Have We Achieved Our Goal?

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 3980
Author(s):  
Stefano Palermi ◽  
Anna Maria Sacco ◽  
Immacolata Belviso ◽  
Veronica Romano ◽  
Pietro Montesano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
General Population ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Breast Cancers ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Practical Applications

National and international healthcare organizations propose guidelines for physical activity worldwide, defining its characteristics. These guidelines’ practical applications are difficult to estimate, since they are not fully followed. The aim of the present cross-sectional observational study was to assess awareness about guidelines for physical activity and to evaluate their practical applications in a sample of the Italian population. In total, 310 participants completed an online survey (mean age 29.10 ± 4.44), assessing the habits, beliefs and health effects of physical activity. In total, 39.35% of respondents were inactive. In total, 6.91% of active respondents did not perform a warm-up phase at the beginning of each training session and 77.14% did not check their own heart rate during the training session. Approximately half of respondents reported erroneous beliefs about the type, frequency and volume of physical activity, compared to data proposed by the guidelines. The preventive effect of physical activity was clearly perceived for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and depression. Several subjects misinterpreted the preventive role of physical activity in colon and breast cancers, and in femur and vertebral fractures. Habits and beliefs about physical activity in the general population are far from the guidelines and recommendations. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the conscious practice of physical activity further.

scholarly journals An Online Survey: Assessing Anxiety Level among General Population during the Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic in Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (T1) ◽  
pp. 451-458
Author(s):  
Kholisotul Hikmah ◽  
Lucky Prisandy ◽  
Gea Melinda ◽  
M. Ibraar Ayatullah
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
General Population ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Media Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety Level ◽  
Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND: Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most populous country, is grappling with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) catastrophe as cases continue to rise. This situation induces uncertainties and changes in daily life, leading to uneasiness among the population, which may trigger anxiety symptoms. AIM: This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with the anxiety level among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 267 adults from June 10, 2020, to June 15, 2020, the transition phase week after Large-scale Social Restriction of Indonesia. The survey was conducted online using a Google Form distributed through social media (WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter). Respondents over 18 years old, who agreed to participate in this study, were asked to complete the questionnaire by clicking the link. The anxiety level was measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. RESULTS: The results of this study showed a significant correlation between age (p = 0.010), education (p = 0.039), personal income (p = 0.034), media exposure (p < 0.01), physical activity (p < 0.01), and anxiety diagnosis (p < 0.01) with the anxiety level among general people. However, ordinal logistics regression revealed that only respondents living in the city (odds ratio [OR] = 2.476) and people with clinician-anxiety diagnosis (OR = 5.116) were more likely to experience anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. CONCLUSION: According to the obtained results, age, education level, average income per month, media exposure, physical activity, and anxiety diagnosis correlated with anxiety incidence, whereas risk factors of anxiety included current residence and anxiety diagnosis.

scholarly journals Poor Sleep during the First Peak of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 306
Author(s):  
Stefania Costi ◽  
Sara Paltrinieri ◽  
Barbara Bressi ◽  
Stefania Fugazzaro ◽  
Paolo Giorgi Rossi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Financial Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The restrictions enacted during lockdown to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have led to changes in people’s lifestyle habits. In Italy, these restrictions have dramatically changed the way people work and spend their leisure time, also with repercussions on diet and physical activity. An anonymous survey was disseminated via websites and social media to a convenience sample of the Italian population during and immediately after the first lockdown (10 March–18 May 2020). Data collected on 1826 individuals show that lockdown might have worsened the quality of sleep of almost half of the participants in this cross-sectional study. This worsening was associated with a deterioration in crucial determinants of health, such as physical activity and diet (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.18–2.40 and OR 4.19; 95% CI 2.51–6.96, respectively), with symptoms of psychological distress, such as tension (OR 3.88; 95% CI 2.74–5.52) and loneliness (OR 3.27; 95% CI 2.23–4.79), and with the presence of financial problems (some OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.27–2.72; many OR 7.27; 95% CI 3.59–14.73). The multivariate regression analysis models confirmed these associations. This impact on sleep quality was seen especially among females, those with low education level, and those who experienced financial problems.

scholarly journals The prevalence of patellofemoral pain in the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) 2021 spectators: A protocol of a cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0260541
Author(s):  
María B. Sánchez ◽  
James Selfe ◽  
Michael J. Callaghan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
General Population ◽  
Knee Pain ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Electronic Version ◽  
Patellofemoral Pain ◽  
World Cup ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Military Recruits

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) can cause significant pain leading to limitations in societal participation and physical activity. PFP is usually associated with athletes undergoing intensive physical training, or military recruits; but recent evidence shows that PFP is common in the general population. The relationship of PFP with physical activity is not entirely clear. Our aim is to provide a better estimate of the general population prevalence of PFP and to relate this to the level of physical activity, and demographic characteristics. The Survey instrument for Natural history, Aetiology and Prevalence of Patellofemoral pain Studies (SNAPPS) was developed as a PFP screening tool to be used in the community. The electronic version of the SNAPPS (eSNAPPS) has recently been validated and was used to survey attendees at mass-participation running events. We will use an electronic survey to collect data from a sample of 1100 Rugby League World Cup spectators. The survey will have four sections: i) general and demographic; ii) knee pain (eSNAPPS); iii) level of physical activity; and iv) quality of life in relation to knee pain. The primary analytic approach will be descriptive of PFP prevalence. Secondary analyses will explore the relationships of the presence of PFP and the other variables. We will disseminate this work by publication of peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals, presentations at scientific conferences, and on the dedicated SNAPPS website https://www.snappspfp.com/.

scholarly journals Recreational physical activity context and type preferences among male and female Emirati university students

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 507-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
C B Doyle ◽  
A Khan ◽  
N W Burton
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
University Students ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Recreational Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Activity Types ◽  
Competitive Activities

Abstract Background This study assessed recreational physical activity type and context preferences of Emirati university students. Method This was a cross-sectional study in which a stratified random sample (n=628) (female 69.1%, male 30.9% mean age 20.79±3.81 y) completed an online survey. Relationships between gender and preferences were assessed using regression analysis, adjusted for body mass index and age. Results Activities with a fun element were the most preferred context (87.1%). Walking (66.7%) and swimming (61.7%) were the most preferred activity types. Males had significantly higher odds of preferring competitive activities, and activity types such as football, fitness/weights and jogging. Females had significantly higher odds of preferring activities with people of the same gender, with supervision and done at home, and activity types such as walking, aerobics, cycling, squash and yoga. Conclusion These results can inform physical activity planning for university students in the United Arab Emirates. Fun activity opportunities involving walking or swimming and in the local neighbourhood may be popular for both males and females. Future research could explore uptake and maintenance of activity options, based on preferred activity attributes.

scholarly journals A Psychometric Examination of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale and the Fear of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Scale in the Italian Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graziella Orrù ◽  
Davide Bertelloni ◽  
Francesca Diolaiuti ◽  
Ciro Conversano ◽  
Rebecca Ciacchini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety Scale ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Educational Levels ◽  
Physical Health Problems ◽  
Cohabitation Status ◽  
Anxiety And Fear

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has caused not only significant physical health problems but also mental health disorders. Anxiety and fear appear to be the main psychological symptoms associated with COVID-19. The aim of this study was to investigate whether anxiety and fear related to COVID-19 are influenced by sociodemographics and whether specific conditions, such as positivity for COVID-19 or death among relatives and friends, can further enhance these symptoms. In this cross-sectional study, 697 Italians responded to an online survey assessing sociodemographic information, the presence/absence of positive cases, or deaths due to COVID-19 among relatives or acquaintances. The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCS-19S) were administered in order to assess the levels of anxiety and fear associated with COVID-19. The data were collected in November 2020. Anxiety and fear scores were positively correlated. Both male and female subjects with higher CAS scores also displayed higher FCS-19S scores. The CAS and FCS-19S scores tended to increase with age, with older subjects exhibiting higher scores than younger subjects. Additionally, respondents with lower educational levels demonstrated higher scores on both the CAS and FCS-19S. Similarly, respondents living with older people and/or experiencing the death of one or more relatives due to COVID-19 exhibited corresponding outcomes. This study demonstrates how the levels of anxiety and fear, measured by CAS and FCS-19S associated with COVID-19, are influenced by gender, age, cohabitation status, educational levels, and the presence of positive cases or deaths due to COVID-19.

scholarly journals Insufficient Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors among Medical Students during the COVID-19 Lockdown: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10257
Author(s):  
Irfan Ullah ◽  
Md. Saiful Islam ◽  
Sajjad Ali ◽  
Hashaam Jamil ◽  
Muhammad Junaid Tahir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Insufficient Physical Activity ◽  
Policies And Programs

Background: The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in social distancing and isolation which leads to insufficient physical activity and thereby increases sedentary behaviors. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of insufficient physical activity and sedentary behaviors among medical students during the COVID-19 lockdown in Pakistan, and to determine their associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was carried out among 407 medical students from the Punjab and Sindh provinces between May and June 2020. To collect data, an e-questionnaire was sent to obtain informed consent along with questions concerning socio-demographics as well as an International Physical Activity Questionnaires–Short Form (IPAQ–SF). Results: As per the IPAQ, almost five in ten participants were physically inactive (48.2%), and 45.2% reported sedentary behaviors. Participants with insufficient physical activity were more likely to report sedentary behaviors than their counterparts (AOR = 2.53; 95% CI = 1.66–3.85, p < 0.001). The odds of insufficient physical activity were higher among the participants who did not strictly follow the COVID-19 preventive measures (AOR = 2.51; 95% CI = 1.35–4.69, p = 0.004); similarly, there were increased odds of sedentary behaviors observed among participants within a normal weight range compared to those who were underweight (AOR = 2.69; 95% CI = 1.76–4.11, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Insufficient physical activity and sedentary behavior are prevalent among medical students in Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings indicate the importance of establishing tailored policies and programs to encourage young adults to engage in physical activity.

scholarly journals Intake of vitamin B12 and other characteristics of women of reproductive age on a vegan diet in Australia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
Amanda J. Benham ◽  
Danielle Gallegos ◽  
Katherine L. Hanna ◽  
Mary T. Hannan-Jones
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Participant Characteristics

Abstract Objective: (i) to examine demographic and health characteristics of women of reproductive age on a vegan diet in Australia and compare these to the general population, (ii) to identify sources and intake of vitamin B12, and compare intake to current recommendations (iii) examine associations between participant characteristics and adequacy of vitamin B12 intake. Design: In this cross-sectional study data was collected via an online survey. Demographic and health characteristics of women on a vegan diet were compared to women in the general population (using Australian Bureau of Statistics data). Intake of vitamin B12 was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire and estimation of supplemental intake. Setting: Australia. Participants: Participants (n1530) were women 18-44 years who had been on a vegan diet for at least six months. Results: While Body Mass Index, smoking habits and intakes of fruit and vegetables compared favourably to the general population, 26% of respondents had estimated intakes of vitamin B12 below recommendations. Analyses of relationships between vitamin B12 intake and participant characteristics revealed that the strongest predictor of intake was supplementation (p<0.001), however, 25% had not supplemented with vitamin B12 in the past three months. Conclusions: The vitamin B12 intakes of a substantial proportion of Australian women of reproductive age consuming a vegan diet do not meet the recommended intake, which could adversely affect their health, and, if they are pregnant or lactating, that of their infants too. There is a need for further research in this area to identify effective strategies to address this situation.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional assessment of predictors for COVID-19 vaccine uptake: an online survey in Greece

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petros A Galanis ◽  
Irene Vraka ◽  
Olga Siskou ◽  
Olympia Konstantakopoulou ◽  
Aglaia Katsiroumpa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccination Rate ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Education

Background: A high level of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the general population is essential to control the pandemic. Objective: To estimate the percentage of the general population vaccinated against the COVID-19 and to investigate the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Methods: We conducted an online cross-sectional study in Greece during August 2021. We included individuals over 18 years of age. Independent variables included socio-demographic data of the participants and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and pandemic. Our outcome variable was COVID-19 vaccination status, measured through yes/no answers. Results: Most participants had been vaccinated against the COVID-19 (87.8%), while about half had been vaccinated against influenza (52.5%). Multivariate analysis identified that increased age and a higher level of education were associated with an increased likelihood of COVID-19 vaccination. Also, participants working in health services, participants without a previous COVID-19 diagnosis, and those with previous seasonal influenza vaccination history had a greater probability to take a COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, increased self-perceived severity of COVID-19, knowledge regarding COVID-19, and trust in COVID-19 vaccines and scientists were associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake. On the other hand, the likelihood of vaccination was lower for participants who were more concerned about the side effects of COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions: Understanding the factors affecting individuals decision to take a COVID-19 vaccine is essential to improve the COVID-19 vaccination coverage rate. Policymakers and scientists should scale up their efforts to increase the COVID-19 vaccination rate among specific population groups such as young people, people with a low level of education, people with negative attitudes towards vaccination, etc.

scholarly journals Physical activity in patients with axial spondyloarthritis in a multi-ethnic south-east Asian country

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Kie Phang ◽  
Andrew Yu Keat Khor ◽  
Yu Heng Kwan ◽  
Chin Teck Ng ◽  
Warren Fong
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
General Population ◽  
Axial Spondyloarthritis ◽  
Asian Country ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
East Asian Country ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Sedentary Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Singapore General Hospital

Abstract Background Patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) may experience spinal stiffness and pain, leading to reduced physical function and quality of life. Despite the benefits of physical activity (PA) and exercise, previous studies have demonstrated lower levels of PA among patients with axSpA. This study aims to examine the patterns of PA among patients with axSpA compared to the general population in a multi-ethnic Asian country. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted between May 2016 and Jan 2017. Consecutive patients with axSpA were recruited at an outpatient rheumatology clinic at Singapore General Hospital, the largest tertiary hospital in Singapore. Controls were based on a previous cross-sectional study. PA was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Results Seventy-four patients with axSpA were recruited and compared with 2679 controls. Lower proportion of patients with axSpA met the WHO recommendations for PA (axSpA = 77.0%, controls = 89.7%, p <  0.001). More patients with axSpA had high level of sedentary activity compared to controls (axSpA = 56.8%, controls = 36.1%, p <  0.001). Levels of PA did not differ between patients with inactive versus active axSpA disease (p = 0.91). Conclusions Proportion of patients with axSpA meeting the WHO recommendations for PA differed significantly from the general population, and level of PA did not differ between patients with active and inactive axSpA disease. Higher levels of sedentary activity were seen in patient with axSpA compared to the general population, highlighting the need for interventions to promote PA among patients with axSpA.

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