scholarly journals Determinants of Weight-Related Behaviors in Male Saudi University Students: A Qualitative Approach Using Focus Group Discussions

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3697
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz Balhareth ◽  
Mohammed Jafer ◽  
Ester van der Borgh-Sleddens ◽  
Stef Kremers ◽  
Ree Meertens
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
University Students ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Obesity is a serious public health concern in the Gulf States. Students are exposed to many unhealthy weight-related behaviors due to college life. However, research that gives insight into regional and culture-specific aspects and determinants of weight-related behaviors in students is lacking. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential determinants of weight change, eating behaviors, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and sleep behaviors in Saudi university students. Five semi-structured focus group discussions guided by Social Cognitive Theory were conducted, consisting of 33 male university students 20 to 22 years old. The data were transcribed, coded, and organized according to themes. The students reported weight gain due to personal, social, and environmental factors related to university lifestyle, such as unhealthy eating behaviors, low physical activity, high sedentary behaviors, and inadequate sleep. Both eating behaviors and physical activity shared similar personal aspects found in other studies, such as knowledge, stress, lack of time, and lack of motivation. However, there were some unique social and environmental factors in the region, such as the social norms, cultural aspects, weather conditions, passive transport dependency, and khat consumption, compared with studies worldwide. Such differences are key factors to developing effective interventions in the future.

Food-related environmental beliefs and behaviours among university undergraduates

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Campbell-Arvai
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
University Students ◽  
Food Environment ◽  
Environmental Values ◽  
Environmental Footprint ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmental Beliefs ◽  
Undergraduate University Students

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to document the food-related environmental beliefs and behaviours of undergraduate university students. More specifically, this research was focussed on determining if environmental sustainability is a consideration in students’ food choices, identifying the specific choices and behaviours adopted to reduce their food-related environmental footprint, and documenting the role of gender and pro-environmental values in these food-related environmental beliefs and behaviours. Design/methodology/approach – This research employed a mixed methods approach, i.e. focus group discussions and a survey, to document the food-related environmental beliefs and behaviours of undergraduate university students. The survey was informed by the results of the focus group discussions, and included standard measures of pro-environmental values and worldview. Findings – Results from focus group discussions revealed a broad array of beliefs and behaviours related to the connection between food, food production and the environment. The survey confirmed these results, but indicated a preference for such actions as recycling and reducing food waste in contrast to such alternatives as reducing meat consumption or avoiding processed foods. These results suggest that educational campaigns could focus on strengthening beliefs about the food-environment connection, as well as help to empower students to take a greater variety of actions to reduce their food-related environmental footprint. Originality/value – Relatively little attention has been focussed on individual beliefs and practices with respect to achieving more sustainable food consumption, particularly on university and college campuses. The research also represents a departure from previous work in that it utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods, and takes a broad approach to the food-environment connection.

Experiences of Slovak University students with on campus alcohol policy

Human Affairs ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ferdinand Salonna ◽  
Natália Vendelová ◽  
Jozef Benka ◽  
Mária Bačíková
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
University Students ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Alcohol Policy ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Alcohol Policies ◽  
The Us ◽  
Key Questions

AbstractThe vast majority of studies focusing on alcohol consumption among university students are based on US and Canadian samples and employ a quantitative approach. Universities from the US and Canada also have a longer tradition in implementing alcohol policies. The alcohol policies at universities in Slovakia are mostly non-systematic and often not implemented in practice. The objective of this study was to explore Slovak university students’ experiences towards alcohol policy on their campuses using a qualitative approach. Eight focus group discussions were conducted among university students (n=64; 38 female; 2011; Slovakia). The key questions were (1) “Is there a policy concerning alcohol on your campus and what are the consequences of not complying with it?”, and (2) “How should an on-campus alcohol policy be developed and what should it include?” The students knew of few, if any, rules concerning alcohol. Student participation was considered important in policy development and implementation. Slovak universities should be more active in forming alcohol policies. A preventative policy which actively involves students was emphasized as optimal.

scholarly journals Development and evaluation of a physical activity intervention informed by participatory research- a feasibility study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rathi Ramji ◽  
Elisabeth Carlson ◽  
Anders Kottorp ◽  
Sergey Shleev ◽  
Eman Awad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Socially Disadvantaged ◽  
Health Parameters

Abstract Background Despite numerous interventions aiming to improve physical activity in socially disadvantaged populations, physical inactivity remains to be a rising challenge to public health globally, as well as, in Sweden. In an effort to address this challenge, a community-based participatory intervention was developed through active community engagement and implemented in a socially disadvantaged neighborhood in Sweden. The current study aims to present the development and initial evaluation of a participatory research driven physical activity intervention. Methods Fifteen participants (11 females and 4 males) aged 17–59 years volunteered to participate in the physical activity intervention program. The intervention program was evaluated using a longitudinal mixed methods design measuring health impact changes over time through focus group discussions and quality of life surveys. Further additional biomedical health parameters such as levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, blood pressure, levels of oxygen saturation and body mass index were monitored before and after the intervention. Focus group data were analyzed using content analysis with an inductive approach. The pre-and post-test scores from the survey-based quality of life domains, as well as the health parameters were compared using non-parametric and parametric statistics. Results Four themes emerged from the analysis of the focus group discussions including sense of fellowship, striving for inclusion and equity, changing the learner perspective and health beyond illness. The scores for the domains Physical Health, Psychological Health, Social Relationships and Health Satisfaction where significantly higher after participation in the physical activity intervention program compared to the pre-test scores (p < .05)s. There were however, no significant changes in the scores for the environmental domain and overall quality of life after intervention compared to that prior to intervention start. Overall, the biomedical health parameters remained stable within the normal ranges during intervention. Conclusion The focus group discussions and results from the surveys and biomedical measures reveal important findings to understand and further develop the intervention program to promote health equity among citizens in disadvantaged areas. Evaluating the feasibility of such an intervention using multiple approaches contributes to effective implementation of it for larger communities in need.

scholarly journals Community perceptions about dementia in southwestern Uganda

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Owokuhaisa ◽  
Godfrey Zari Rukundo ◽  
Edith Wakida ◽  
Celestino Obua ◽  
Stephanie S. Buss
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Community Perceptions ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Southwestern Uganda

Abstract Background With the increasing number of people surviving into older age in Africa, dementia is becoming a public health concern. Understanding the social dynamics of dementia in resource-limited settings is critical for developing effective interventions. We explored community perceptions about people with dementia in southwestern Uganda. Methods Fifty-nine individuals (aged 19-85 years, 56% female) participated in seven focus group discussions. In addition, 22 individual in-depth interviews were conducted among individuals (aged 22-84 years, 36% female). Both interviews and focus group discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and evaluated using a quantitative content analysis approach. Results Five themes were generated during content analysis: i) Labeling of the illness, ii) Presentation of the person with dementia, iii) Causation, iv) Impact of the disease on people with dementia and their caregivers and v) Views on how to address unmet needs in dementia care. Dementia was commonly referred to as “ okuhuga ” or “okwebwayebwa” (also, oruhuzyo/ empugye / akahuriko) which translates as “mental disorientation”. The participants reported that most people with dementia presented with forgetfulness, defecating and urinating on themselves, wandering away from home, going out naked, and picking up garbage. Some participants perceived memory problems as a normal part of the aging process, while others attributed the cause of dementia to syphilis, cancer, allergy, old age, satanic powers, witchcraft, poor nutrition, or life stress. Participants reported multiple sources of stress for caregivers of people with dementia, including financial, social, and emotional burdens. Finally, participants suggested that community and governmental organizations should be involved in meeting the needs of people with dementia and their caregivers. Conclusions Community members in southwestern Uganda largely identified dementia as a problem that comes with older age, and can identify key features of dementia presentation. Participants identified significant stressors affecting people with dementia and their caregivers, and reported that families and caregivers would benefit from education on the management of symptoms of dementia, and assistance in overcoming associated financial, social, and emotional burdens related to caretaking.

scholarly journals Community perceptions about dementia in southwestern Uganda

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Owokuhaisa ◽  
Godfrey Zari Rukundo ◽  
Edith Wakida ◽  
Celestino Obua ◽  
Stephanie S. Buss
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Community Perceptions ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Southwestern Uganda

Abstract Background: With the increasing number of people surviving into older age in Africa, dementia is becoming a public health concern. Understanding the social dynamics of dementia in resource-limited settings is critical for developing effective interventions. We explored community perceptions about people with dementia in southwestern Uganda.Methods: Fifty-nine individuals (aged 19-85 years, 56% female) participated in seven focus group discussions. In addition, 22 individual in-depth interviews were conducted among individuals (aged 22-84 years, 36% female). Both interviews and focus group discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and evaluated using a quantitative content analysis approach.Results: Five themes were generated during content analysis: i) Labeling of the illness, ii) Presentation of the person with dementia, iii) Causation, iv) Impact of the disease on people with dementia and their caregivers and v) Views on how to address unmet needs in dementia care. Dementia was commonly referred to as “okuhuga” or “okwebwayebwa” (also, oruhuzyo/ empugye / akahuriko) which translates as “mental disorientation”. The participants reported that most people with dementia presented with forgetfulness, defecating and urinating on themselves, wandering away from home, going out naked, and picking up garbage. Some participants perceived memory problems as a normal part of the aging process, while others attributed the cause of dementia to syphilis, cancer, allergy, old age, satanic powers, witchcraft, poor nutrition, or life stress. Participants reported multiple sources of stress for caregivers of people with dementia, including financial, social, and emotional burdens. Finally, participants suggested that community and governmental organizations should be involved in meeting the needs of people with dementia and their caregivers.Conclusions: Community members in southwestern Uganda largely identified dementia as a problem that comes with older age, and can identify key features of dementia presentation. Participants identified significant stressors affecting people with dementia and their caregivers, and reported that families and caregivers would benefit from education on the management of symptoms of dementia, and assistance in overcoming associated financial, social, and emotional burdens related to caretaking.

scholarly journals Towards the ASEAN Community: Assessing the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Aspirations of Thai University Students

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-147
Author(s):  
Pinn Siraprapasiri ◽  
Chanintira na Thalang
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
University Students ◽  
Informal Education ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Asean Member ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
High Level ◽  
Thai University

This article assesses the knowledge of, attitudes towards, and aspirations for ASEAN among Thai university students, who are set to enter the ASEAN Community labour market and are among those most in touch with ASEAN issues. It uses data obtained from a countrywide survey and focus group discussions to identify variables that affect knowledge, attitudes, and aspirations and to explore the relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and aspirations. The quantitative analysis conducted here uses students’ fields of study, academic performance, and exposure to both ASEAN-related courses and also information and discussions about ASEAN in the mass media and public forums as predictors of their level of knowledge about ASEAN. The paper's results confirm that positive attitudes towards ASEAN lead to positive aspirations for ASEAN. They also reveal that significant knowledge about ASEAN cannot, in isolation, adequately explain students’ attitudes towards ASEAN and does not always lead to positive attitudes. These findings and those obtained from the focus group discussions suggest that a high level of knowledge and understanding of fellow ASEAN member countries and their people – whether attained through formal or informal education or social interaction – is needed for students to develop positive attitudes and become aspiring members of the ASEAN Community.

scholarly journals Is fatigue a cue to obtain iron supplements in Odisha, India? A mixed methods investigation

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e037471
Author(s):  
Hagere Yilma ◽  
Erica Sedlander ◽  
Rajiv N Rimal ◽  
Soumik Pattnaik
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Perceptual Mapping

ObjectivesThis study aims to understand if fatigue, the main symptom of anaemia, is a health concern that cues women and their referent groups to obtain iron folic acid supplements.DesignThis is a mixed methods study that consisted of a cross-sectional perceptual mapping and card sorting activity along with 16 focus group discussions with women of reproductive age, mothers-in-law and men. Participants of the perceptual mapping and card sorting activity were asked to compare images of anaemia-related items and concepts. Participants in the focus group discussions were asked about their daily life, aspirations and concerns among women and perceptions of anaemia and iron supplementation in the community. The quantitative data were analysed through multidimensional scaling and analyses of variance in SPSS. The qualitative data were analysed through applied thematic analysis using NVivo.SettingBhubaneswar, Odisha, India.ParticipantsWomen of reproductive age (n=30), mothers-in-law (n=30) and married men (n=30) were randomly selected to participate in the perceptual mapping and card sorting exercise. A separate sample of each group was randomly selected for the focus group discussions (n=148).Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe collected perceptions of dissimilarity between anaemia-related items, including fatigue and medical items; the extent to which these items were perceived as important to health or likable; and qualitative information about gender norms.ResultsCognitive maps and card sorting revealed that fatigue was conceptualised distinctly from items related to medical treatment and that perceptions around fatigue’s importance to health were low. Women from the focus groups reported that fatigue is a regular part of their daily life.ConclusionOur results indicate that fatigue is currently not an adequate cue to seek treatment, perhaps due to the normalisation of fatigue as a part of women’s daily life.

scholarly journals “Antibiotics Can Work as a Contraceptive:” Contraceptive Knowledge and Use Among University Students in Calabar, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibitola Asaolu ◽  
Nidal Kram ◽  
Christopher Ajala ◽  
Ememobong Aquaisua ◽  
Akinsola Asaolu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
University Students ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Modern Contraceptive ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Modern Contraceptives

Introduction: Many sexually active youths who wish to delay pregnancy are not using any form of modern contraceptives. In sub-Saharan Africa, less than 1 in 5 sexually active youth do not use contraceptives. In Nigeria, 48.4% of all sexually active unmarried women have an unmet need for contraception. Although the literature is replete with information on structural barriers to modern contraceptives, there is limited scholarship on contextual factors that may inhibit modern contraceptive use among Nigerian youth. This study uses a qualitative research approach to assess knowledge and use of natural, modern, and folkloric contraceptive methods among a sample of university students in Calabar, Nigeria.Methods: This study used data from focus group discussions among women and men in university halls of residence, all of whom were unmarried. Also, three male pharmacists and three female community health workers were interviewed. All focus group discussions and interviews took place in August 2017 and were conducted in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria. The audio recordings were transcribed into detailed summaries of the interviews and focus group discussions. All data analysis was completed using Atlas.Ti (version 8).Results: University men and women have limited knowledge of and application of natural and modern contraception. Participants listed folkloric methods of contraceptives, including repurposing pharmaceuticals (e.g., antibiotics, quinine, and Andrews Livers Salt-a laxative) as contraceptive agents. Respondents also discussed the use of non-pharmaceuticals such as water, salt solution, and squatting after intercourse as contraceptives. Generally, university students defaulted to withdrawal, calendar method, and emergency contraceptives as preferred methods of contraception. Lastly, condoms were used among participants in causal sexual encounters. In dating relationships, however, both male and female students cited their partners' hesitancy to condom use as such act could indicate distrust.Conclusion: Awareness and use of modern contraceptives are limited among university students in Calabar, Nigeria. The use of folkloric contraceptives could lead to bodily harm and unintended pregnancy. Further research is needed to elucidate factors that promote use of folkloric methods of contraceptives. Integration of contraceptive awareness into health promotion services for young people may help to dispel myths about folkloric methods of contraceptives while promoting awareness and use of safe and effective contraception.

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