Validation of a Physical Activity and Health Questionnaire Evaluating Knowledge of WHO Recommendations among Colombians

Knowledge of physical activity (PA) can be considered a predictor of public health for society. Thus, this study aims to show content validity of the “Knowledge Questionnaire on World Health Organization (WHO) Recommendations on PA and Health” (CUAFYS-A) and reference values on adults’ knowledge of the WHO recommendations on PA. This is a quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive, and cross-sectional study, in which 579 adults completed an online questionnaire with demographic data. The questionnaire was made up of 9 items to measure PA related to knowledge. For the elaboration of the items of the questionnaire a disciplinary team formed it and for the analysis of results, a descriptive analysis of these was applied. Then an inferential analysis was performed, content validity, construct validity, and reliability were analyzed. The CUAFYS-A after its content analysis, obtained appropriate results in terms of pertinence and relevance; additionally, it showed Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.62. Thereby, it was concluded the CUAFYS-A questionnaire proved to be a valid and reliable instrument to show reference values and to evaluate the knowledge of adults of PA and health according to the WHO recommendations.

Download Full-text

The Effect of Social Isolation on Physical Activity during the COVID-19 Pandemic in France

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105070 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5070

Author(s):

Alessandro Porrovecchio ◽

Pedro R. Olivares ◽

Philippe Masson ◽

Thierry Pezé ◽

Linda Lombi

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Level Of Education ◽

The Social ◽

Chi Squared ◽

Logistic Regressions

The objective of this cross-sectional study is to analyze the changes in physical activity (PA) practice of a sample of 2099 French adults, mostly females, who answered an online questionnaire during the first COVID-19 lockdown (March–May 2020). A descriptive analysis of participants was performed using relative frequencies. Chi-squared tests were performed to compare the responses of selected variables. Multinomial logistic regressions were performed to compare the variations of PA with all the variables identified. The age of participants ranged from 18 to 88. Among people who practiced PAs before the first lockdown, the probability to keep practicing PAs is higher among those with a lower level of education, among housewives and retirees and among those who lived in cities of 10,000–19,999 inhabitants. For those who did not practice PAs before the social distancing, the probability of starting to practice is greater in those with a lower level of education and for those who suffered from a chronic disease. Our results place the emphasis on the complexity and multifactoriality of the changes that emerged during the first lockdown. The “education” factor emerges, as a significant determinant of PA that should certainly be explored further.

Download Full-text

Breakfast Skipping Is an Independent Predictor of Obesity but not Overweight Among Children in a Southeastern European Population

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research ◽

10.1024/0300-9831/a000272 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 86 (5-6) ◽

pp. 242-248 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Genc Burazeri ◽

Jolanda Hyska ◽

Iris Mone ◽

Enver Roshi

Keyword(s):

Task Force ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

European Population ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

World Health ◽

Communist Country ◽

Western Balkans ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Breakfast Skipping

Abstract.Aim: To assess the association of breakfast skipping with overweight and obesity among children in Albania, a post-communist country in the Western Balkans, which is undergoing a long and difficult political and socioeconomic transition towards a market-oriented economy. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was carried out in Albania in 2013 including a representative sample of 5810 children aged 7.0 – 9.9 years (49.5% girls aged 8.4 ± 0.6 years and 51.5% boys aged 8.5 ± 0.6 years; overall response rate: 97%). Children were measured for height and weight, and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Cut-off BMI values of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) were used to define overweight and obesity in children. Demographic data were also collected. Results: Upon adjustment for age, sex, and place of residence, breakfast skipping was positively related to obesity (WHO criteria: OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.3–1.9; IOTF criteria: OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.4–2.5), but not overweight (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.9–1.3 and OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.9–1.4, respectively). Furthermore, breakfast skipping was associated with a higher BMI (multivariable-adjusted OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.07). Conclusions: Our findings point to a strong and consistent positive relationship between breakfast skipping and obesity, but not overweight, among children in this transitional southeastern European population. Future studies in Albania and other transitional settings should prospectively examine the causal role of breakfast skipping in the development of overweight and obesity.

Download Full-text

Physical Activity and Diet Quality Modify the Association between Comorbidity and Disability among Stroke Patients

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13051641 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 1641

Author(s):

Lien T. K. Nguyen ◽

Binh N. Do ◽

Dinh N. Vu ◽

Khue M. Pham ◽

Manh-Tan Vu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Short Version ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Disability Score ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Comorbidity is common and causes poor stroke outcomes. We aimed to examine the modifying impacts of physical activity (PA) and diet quality on the association between comorbidity and disability in stroke patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 951 stable stroke patients in Vietnam from December 2019 to December 2020. The survey questionnaires were administered to assess patients’ characteristics, clinical parameters (e.g., Charlson Comorbidity Index items), health-related behaviors (e.g., PA using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire- short version), health literacy, diet quality (using the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Quality (DASH-Q) questionnaire), and disability (using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS II)). Linear regression models were used to analyze the associations and interactions. Results: The proportion of comorbidity was 49.9% (475/951). The scores of DASH-Q and WHODAS II were 29.2 ± 11.8, 32.3 ± 13.5, respectively. Patients with comorbidity had a higher score of disability (regression coefficient, B, 8.24; 95% confidence interval, 95%CI, 6.66, 9.83; p < 0.001) as compared with those without comorbidity. Patients with comorbidity and higher tertiles of PA (B, −4.65 to −5.48; p < 0.05), and a higher DASH-Q score (B, −0.32; p < 0.001) had a lower disability score, as compared with those without comorbidity and the lowest tertile of PA, and the lowest score of DASH-Q, respectively. Conclusions: Physical activity and diet quality significantly modified the negative impact of comorbidity on disability in stroke patients. Strategic approaches are required to promote physical activity and healthy diet which further improve stroke rehabilitation outcomes.

Download Full-text

Perceived anxiety and physical activity behaviour changes during the early stages of COVID-19 restrictions in community-dwelling adults in Canada: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050550 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. e050550

Author(s):

Gavin R McCormack ◽

Patricia K Doyle-Baker ◽

Jennie A Petersen ◽

Dalia Ghoneim

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behaviour ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽

Sectional Study ◽

High Anxiety ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic changed daily routines, including physical activity, which could influence physical and mental health. In our study, we describe physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns in relation to the pandemic and estimate associations between anxiety and physical activity and sedentary behaviour in community-dwelling adults.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingCalgary, Alberta, Canada.ParticipantsBetween April and June 2020, a random sample of 1124 adults (≥18 years) completed an online questionnaire.Primary and secondary outcomesThe online questionnaire captured current walking, moderate intensity, vigorous intensity and total physical activity and sedentary behaviour (ie, sitting and leisure-based screen time), perceived relative changes in physical activity, sedentary and social behaviours since the pandemic, perceived seriousness and anxiety related to COVID-19, and sociodemographic characteristics. Differences in sociodemographic characteristics, perceived relative change in behaviour and current physical activity and sedentary behaviour were compared between adults with low and high anxiety.ResultsOur sample (n=1047) included more females (60.3%) and fewer older adults (19.2%). Most participants (88.4%) considered COVID-19 as extremely or very serious and one-third (32.9%) felt extremely or very anxious. We found no differences (p>0.05) in current physical activity or sedentary behaviour by anxiety level. The largest perceived change in behaviours included social distancing, driving motor vehicles, use of screen-based devices, watching television and interactions with neighbours. We found anxiety-related differences (p<0.05) in perceived changes in various behaviours.ConclusionsChanges in physical activity, sedentary behaviour and social behaviour occurred soon after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, and some of these changes differed among those with low and high anxiety.

Download Full-text

COVID-19 KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES BETWEEN PAKISTANI MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL STUDENTS

Journal of University Medical & Dental College ◽

10.37723/jumdc.v12i3.641 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 169-176

Author(s):

Bushra Suhail ◽

Ayesha Masood ◽

Javaria Baig ◽

Sara Mukhtar ◽

Sarah Aftab ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Conceptual Knowledge ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Age Group ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Contagious Nature ◽

Positive Attitudes

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: This study investigated medical and non-medical students’ knowledge, attitude, and preparedness regarding COVID-19 pandemic, to groom volunteers and future healthcare providers in a better way. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was completed from April to May 2020 during the first wave of COVID-19. An online questionnaire was distributed using internet and social media (SM). The questionnaire was composed of several parts concerning to demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practices. RESULTS: This study included 1851 students [1041(56.54% medical, 810(43.46%) non-medical students)]. Medical students had significantly better knowledge about the contagious nature, spread and treatment of coronavirus. Non-medical students showed more risky behavior compared to medical students (p = 0.005). The use of masks and the frequency of handwashing was better among medical students as compared to non-medical students (p< 0.001; p< 0.014, respectively). The odds ratio indicates that students of the age group 21-25 years (45%) and medical students (75%) were more likely to have a positive attitude. CONCLUSION: This study revealed good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices towards COVID-19 among medical students. Still, a minority of participants from both groups revealed misconceptions and relatively poor conceptual knowledge regarding the disease.

Download Full-text

Obesity Management in Primary Health Care: Front-Line Providers’ Experiences and Views

European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences ◽

10.24018/ejmed.2020.2.6.549 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (6) ◽

Author(s):

Hatem Al-Saadi ◽

Haya Malallah ◽

Jameela Al-Saadi ◽

Narjis ALsheala ◽

Abdullah Al- Balushi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care Physicians ◽

Management Training ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Obesity Management ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Anthropometric Measures ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Survey Participant

As in the rest of the world, obesity in Oman has increased and according to World Health Organization (WHO) data, prevalence of obesity in 2008 and 2016 were 20.9% and 27% respectively. This study explores primary care physicians’ current strategies and management of obesity, attitude and perceptions towards obesity, educational needs, and their views on long-term follow up. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted where practicing family medicine physicians from different governorates were invited to participate in an online questionnaire-based survey. Participant were invited via email and responses were kept anonymous. Responses were collected over three weeks in April 2019 and only responses that met inclusion criteria were analyzed with SPSS v22. Results: 77 complete responses met inclusion criteria and female were the majority (67.5%). Half of participants had less than 10 years of experience. Weight and BMI were recorded routinely by two-thirds of participants whereas waist- hip ratio was recorded by only 12%. Weight reduction medications were prescribed by 5.2% and 24% would refer an obese patient to Bariatric center. Main barrier to obesity management and referral was inadequate obesity specialist centers followed by short consultation times. The pathophysiology mechanism of obesity and related hormones was only known by 40.8%. Almost all participants agreed that formal obesity management training should be integrated as part of residency training. Conclusion: Despite the significant number of comorbidities related to obesity and its complications, weight, BMI and other anthropometric measures were not routinely performed. Nationally, the rate of referral to bariatric centers for evaluation is low. Boundaries and challenges do exist and need to be addressed. Obesity and weight management need to be integrated as part of Family Physicians Training Program.

Download Full-text

Contraceptive knowledge, practices among women in Garhwal region

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20190209 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 793 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ruchita Dixit ◽

Aaradhana Bandhani

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Economic Life ◽

World Health ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Modern Development ◽

Planning Methods ◽

Family Planning Methods

Background: Family planning is defined by World Health Organization (WHO) as, “a way of thinking and living that is adopted voluntarily, upon the basis of knowledge, attitudes and responsible decisions by individuals and couples, in order to promote the health and welfare of family groups and thus contribute effectively to the social development of a country”. The extensive acceptance of family planning, in a society, is an integral component of modern development and is essential for the incorporation of women into social and economic life. Therefore the present study as well focused on the women knowledge and participation in family planning. Objectives: This study projected to evaluate the knowledge of the women about various family planning methods and its sources of information.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 married women between 15-60 years of age group selected by multistage random sampling. The women were asked to complete the 20 questions including demographic data. Self structured questionnaire was used to evaluate their knowledge about Family planning methods. Subsequently, the data analyzed by using SPSS version 1.2.Results: In this present study knowledge of family planning methods were higher. Female sterilization and use of condom is the most widely known and practiced method of all contraceptive methods followed by oral Pills and IUDs. Health functionaries were found to the more informative as compared to media and others sources of information regarding family planning methods.Conclusions: From the results found in this study it can be accomplish that women’s awareness regarding family planning was higher and found satisfactory.

Download Full-text

Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of COVID-19 Pandemic in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria- The Initial Experience

Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research ◽

10.9734/jammr/2021/v33i2031101 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 27-37

Author(s):

E. K. Mgbe ◽

C. G. Mgbe ◽

S. N. Ezeofor ◽

J. F. Etiki

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

World Health ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The World ◽

Enugu State ◽

Health Organization

Background: The world is experiencing a global corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic. As of 9th June 2020, over 7 million confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and more than 400,000 deaths had been reported in more than 30 countries of the world according to World Health Organization. Aim: We aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and vulnerability perception of Enugu state residents during the coronavirus outbreak in order to facilitate better health care outcomes. Methodology: A prospective Web-based cross-sectional survey was designed for this study which was conducted in March 2020 among Enugu state residents. The obtained data were coded, validated, and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS software, version 24. Descriptive analysis was applied to calculate the frequencies and proportions and Chi-Square Test was also used. A preliminary phase was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the questionnaire before its use. Results: The study showed that significant number (99.6%) of the respondents had heard about Covid-19 and the most stated source of knowledge was social media (57.6%), followed by Newspaper and television shows (50.2%) while the least was from General Practitioner (GP) (8.9%). There was over 75% agreement with, and practice, of all known covid precautionary measures and less than 35% responses for wrong claims and practices about covid -19. Conclusion: The overall knowledge, attitude, and perception are high in Enugu state population although few still has background combined superstitious believes. Social media and internet are the highest used facility for acquisition of knowledge and information in Enugu, Nigeria.

Download Full-text

IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH STATUS DURING LOCKDOWN PERIOD: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Romanian Journal of Neurology ◽

10.37897/rjn.2021.2.14 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 217-223

Author(s):

Sonu Punia ◽

◽

Mohini Mohini ◽

Shailja Sharma ◽

Varun Singh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Status ◽

Rural Community ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Psychosocial Health ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prevention Measure

Objective. The aim of this research was access the effect of lockdown on the psychological health status of people. Methods. This was an online questionnaire survey developed and circulated among people using snow-ball sampling techniques from April to mid of June 2020. The online survey collected information on demographic data and psychosocial health elements. Results. This study included 604 peoples (59.1% were female and 40.8% were females) of Haryana. Of the total respondents, 57.6% were in age group of 18-30 years, 40.8% were in 31-45 years and 1.5% was in 45-60 years group. 90% of people have normal self- reported BMI, 6.5% were overweight, 3% were underweight and 0.5% people have obesity. 74% respondents were graduate, 11.5% postgraduate, 3.2% were PhD, and 9.2% were 12th pass. 31.8% were unemployed, 35.9% were student, 15.8% regular government employee, 4.7% were self- employed and 2.5% were adhoc/contract employee. 79.5% people reside in urban community and 16% in rural community and 4.5% in semi-urban area. Most of the respondents have agree with the statement that lockdown induced constant sense of insecurity (72.9%); anxiety (58.7%),psychological stress (66.4%); work & financial stress (52.4%), phobia of infection (50.9%); stigma towards symptomatic people, which might be because of simple flu (55.2%); stress from watching & listening COVID-19 news (38.6%); stress from practice of prevention measure (31.9%). Most of people also agree with that behavior-change modification (follow preventive regulations) can improve mental stress (53.2%). Conclusion. Majority of people has realized the lockdown have significant impact on psychological health status of people.

Download Full-text

An AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC ALANALYSIS OF LABORATORY CONFIRMED CASES OF CHIKUNGUNYA, PAKISTAN, 2016-2018

Pakistan Journal of Public Health ◽

10.32413/pjph.v9i3.432 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 153-156

Author(s):

Nosheen Ashraf ◽

Sana Habib Abbasi ◽

Fariha Munir ◽

Amna Ali ◽

M. Akram Qamar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Indian Subcontinent ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Geographical Location ◽

Data Entry ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Public Health Professionals ◽

Age Range

Background: Chikungunya is a vector-borne disease that is spread by the mosquito Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Disease mostly occurs in Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Recent outbreak of chikungunya was reported in 2017 in Karachi, Pakistan, after which sporadic cases were reported from different areas of Pakistan. There are very limited demographic data available for chikungunya in Pakistan and therefore, further information is required. The current study will provide latest information to assist public health professionals and policy makers in order to provide effective management of cases by means of appropriate resource. Methods: In this cross sectional study, information regarding 750 laboratory confirmed cases from Dec 2016 to Apr 2018 were collected from the virology laboratory, NIH. Data regarding age, sex, reporting facility, district and province were collected. Data entry and cleaning was done in Microsoft excel and descriptive analysis using epiInfo. The data were grouped, tabulated and represented graphically while geographical location of the cases was mapped. Results: A total of 403(53.73%) cases were male and 347 (46.27%) female with an age range from 0.6 to 80 years and the mean age was (32.5+- 17.5). The most affected age group was 20 to 29 Years. Sindh remained the most affected province with 494 (65.87%) cases reported followed by KP with 167 (22.27%) cases. The highest number of cases [148(19.7%)] were reported in May 2017. Conclusion: Provision and sharing of accurate and timely data can reduce the risk and spread of the disease.

Download Full-text