scholarly journals Diet, Exercise, Lifestyle, and Mental Distress among Young and Mature Men and Women: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Lina Begdache ◽  
Saloumeh Sadeghzadeh ◽  
Gia Derose ◽  
Cassandra Abrams

Customization of mental health therapies needs to consider the differences in degree of brain maturity between young (18–29 years) and mature (30 years or older) adults as well as brain morphology among men and women. The aim of this study was to identify the significant dietary and lifestyle contributors to mental distress in these sub-populations. Independent repeated cross-sectional sampling was performed for over a 5-year period (2014–2019) to collect data from different populations at different time-points and seasons. A backward stepwise regression analysis was used on 2628 records. Mental distress in young women was associated with high consumption of caffeine and fast-food, and it was negatively correlated with moderate-high levels of exercise as well as frequent breakfast consumption. Mature women shared several common factors with young women; however, high fruit consumption was negatively associated with mental distress. For young men, high exercise, moderate consumption of dairy, and moderate-high intake of meat were negatively associated with mental distress. In addition, high fast-food and caffeine consumption were positively associated with mental distress in young men. For mature men, strong negative associations between higher education, moderate intake of nuts and mental distress surfaced. Our results support the need to customize dietary and lifestyle recommendations to improve mental wellbeing.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1202-1202
Author(s):  
Gia DeRose ◽  
Lina Begdache

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess dietary factors that associate with mental health in males and females. Methods A validated Food-Mood (FMQ) survey was distributed anonymously using several social media platforms targeting adults ages 18 years and above. Data was partitioned based on gender. Classification of young versus mature adults was based on level of brain maturity as evidenced in the literature. A Pearson's correlation analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were performed on the categorized data using (SPSS) version 25.0. Results A total of 2637 individuals (1789 females and 848 males) completed the survey. Respondents were from North and Central Americas, Europe, Asia, North Africa and the Middle East. Correlational studies identified common and differential food groups that associate with mental distress in men and women. PCA results identified three different patterns for both males and females, which also confirmed common and differential dietary factors that associate with mental health. The first pattern suggests that mental distress in young males (18–29 years) associates with fast food and high glycemic index (HGI) food. For females, high consumption of dairy, fast food, and caffeine associates with mental distress. Both patterns reflect unbalanced diets. The second pattern suggests that absence of mental distress in mature males and females (30 years or older) associates with a spectrum of nutrient-dense food; however different factor loadings propose that food groups may have a different effect on mental distress among genders. The third pattern indicates that mental wellbeing among mature males and females with a moderately healthy diet associates with region of residency in both mature genders, and with higher education among mature females. These facts imply that environmental factors that may impact the brain counteract the flaws of the diet. Conclusions A nutrient dense diet may support a positive mood among males and females. However, customization of diet may optimize mood in both genders. Additionally, continent of residence may affect equally mental distress in males and females. However, mature females with a higher educational level may be able to counteract some of the dietary triggers of mental distress. Funding Sources The authors received no specific funding for this work.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M. Calhoun ◽  
Anastasia Mirzoyants ◽  
Sylvia Thuku ◽  
Lenka Benova ◽  
Therese Delvaux ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Prior research has established that an individual’s social environment may influence his or her reproductive behaviors, yet less is known about peer influence on contraceptive use among young people (ages 15–24). In Kenya, the site of this study, 15% of adolescents ages 15–19 have begun childbearing and 45% of sexually active young women report current use of a modern contraceptive method. This highlights the need to better understand what factors influence young people to use contraception. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between the perception of peers’ use of contraceptives and contraceptive use and method choice among young men and women in Kenya. Methods This study utilizes a nationally representative sample of women and men aged 15–24 years from the 2018 and 2019 cross sectional Shujaaz State of the Kenyan Youth annual surveys. Among the sample of sexually experienced young people (59%), multivariable multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the association between the perception of peers’ use of contraceptives and the respondent’s contraceptive method choice: non-user, condom use or use of any other modern method. Results are presented separately for young men and young women. Results Our results show that sexually experienced young men and women who perceive that their peers are using contraceptives are more likely to report current use of modern contraception. Among women and men, the perception that their peers use contraceptives is associated with higher use of condoms compared to being a nonuser; they are also more likely to use condoms than another modern method of contraception. Young women are more likely to use another modern method (not including condoms) than be a nonuser when they perceive that their peers use contraceptives. Conclusions The results of this study highlight the important role of peer influence on young people’s contraceptive choices. These findings can be used to develop programs that encourage behavior change communication activities in Kenya that focus on providing information on the full range of contraceptive methods as well as normalizing contraceptive use among peer groups of sexually experienced young people.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽  
Lianne Gonsalves ◽  
Mary Thiongo ◽  
Michael Waithaka ◽  
Hellen Sidha ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Myths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake in sub-Saharan Africa and Kenya in particular. Addressing persistent contraceptive knowledge gaps can make a significant contribution towards improved contraceptive uptake among young women. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand young people’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify their key concerns regarding these methods. Methods We used focus group discussions (FGD) with vignette and writing activities to explore key myths and misconceptions around the use of contraceptives. Six FGDs (three for young men and three for young women) were conducted with a total of 28 young women and 30 young men from Kwale County, Kenya. We included 10 discussants aged 18–24 per FGD, one FGD had 8 participants. Predefined codes reflecting the discussion guides and emerging issues in the FGDs were used to develop the thematic coding framework. Our analysis followed a pattern of association on the key preset themes focusing on myths and misconceptions around contraceptive use. Results Results are presented under four key themes: awareness of contraception, myths and misconceptions around contraception, males’ contraceptive narratives and young people’s preferred sources of contraceptives. Both men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions were discussed and included perceptions that modern contraception: jeopardized future fertility, could result in problems conceiving or birth defects, made women promiscuous, was ‘un-African’, and would deny couples their sexual freedom. Compared to female respondents in the study, young men appeared to be strong believers of the perceived socio-cultural effects of contraceptives. On preferred sources of contraceptives, respondents reported on two main sources, pharmacies and public hospitals, however, they could not agree on which one was suitable for them. Conclusions This study revealed the presence of a mixture of biological and social myths and misconceptions around contraception, with young men also strongly adhering to these misconceptions. The low level of contraceptive knowledge, particularly on contraceptive fears as revealed by the study demonstrate critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge among young people. Improved SRH literacy to address contraceptives’ fears through appropriate and gender specific interventions to reach out to young men and women with factual SRH information may therefore contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.


1996 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
SANDRA L. HANSON

This research examines the effect of gender and family resources on success in multiple areas of science. Science experiences are measured using longitudinal science trajectories. Findings show that young women are less likely than young men to persist in science, whether it is science achievement, access, or attitudes. Large numbers of women permanently exit the science pipeline after their sophomore year of high school. However, results from the science trajectory models show that among men and women who are equally qualified, women are not necessarily less likely to persist in science. Results also show that young men have more family resources than young women and some of the total effect of gender on science experiences involves an indirect effect through family resources. In addition, gender interacts with family resources with the effects of many resources being stronger for women than for men.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-47
Author(s):  
Nunung Sri Mulyani ◽  
Arnisam Arnisam ◽  
Suri Hayatul Fitri ◽  
Ardiansyah Ardiansyah

Background : One of the factors that influence obesity is knowledge, breakfast, fast food consumption, exercise habits.Objective : to find out the factors that cause obesity in young women in Aceh BesarMethod : This research is analytic descriptive with cross sectional approach which was carried out in June 2019 at SMAN 1 Darul Imarah with a sample of 77 people. Obesity is determined by measuring weight and height using a scale and microtoise with the category: obesity if BMI 27. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire with knowledge variables, fast food consumption, breakfast and exercise habits with data analysis using chi square.Result : The results showed that most teenagers were not obese 41 people (53.2%), good knowledge 49 people (63.6%), fast food consumption was often 40 people (51.9%), breakfast was rare 44 people (57.1 %) and sports habits are rarely 50 people (64.9%).Conclusion : There is a relationship between knowledge, consumption of fast food, breakfast and exercise habits with obesity in young women at SMAN 1 Darul Imarah.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. e045870
Author(s):  
Win Thuzar Aye ◽  
Lars Lien ◽  
Hein Stigum ◽  
Espen Bjertness

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of emotional, physical and sexual childhood abuse, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to examine the association between childhood abuse and adult mental health problems, including mental distress and PTSD symptoms.DesignA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Childhood abuse was assessed with the NorVold Abuse Questionnaire, and mental distress and symptoms of PTSD were measured using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist 10 and the Impact of Event Scale—Revised, respectively. The Wald test and multiple linear regression analysis were applied for testing differences between proportions and the association between childhood abuse and adult mental health outcomes, respectively.SettingUrban and rural areas of the Yangon Region, Myanmar.ParticipantsA total of 2377 men and women aged 18–49 years were included. Institutionalised people, monks, nuns and individuals deemed too ill physically and/or mentally to participate were excluded.ResultsOverall, 21.1% (95% CI 18.8 to 23.6) reported any form of childhood abuse, 10.4% (95% CI 8.9 to 12.4) physical abuse, 10.4% (95% CI 8.8 to 12.2) emotional abuse and 7.3% (95% CI 5.7 to 9.3) sexual abuse. Childhood abuse was more common in women (29.8%) than in men (12.4%). The prevalence of PTSD symptoms in the total sample was 6.6%. After adjusting for confounding variables, positive associations were found between childhood abuse with adult mental distress and PTSD symptoms among women and older men.ConclusionsChildhood abuse is prevalent among both men and women in the Yangon Region of Myanmar and associated with adult mental health problems. Approximately 7% of people report PTSD symptoms. It should prompt local health professionals and policy makers to establish prevention programmes to eliminate violence against children and to organise services for victims of childhood abuse. Care should be taken in generalising findings for less populated areas.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽  
Lianne Gonsalves ◽  
Mary Thiongo ◽  
Michael Waithaka ◽  
Hellen Sidha ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundMyths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake. Nearly all the research on the link between contraceptives’ misconceptions and low contraceptive prevalence comes mostly from women with little focus on men. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand both young men’s and young women’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify key concerns regarding modern pregnancy prevention methods.MethodsWe used focus group discussions (FGD) with vignette and writing activities to explore key myths and misconceptions around the use of contraceptives. Six FGDs (three for young men and three for young women) were conducted with a total of 28 young women and 30 young men from Kwale County, Kenya. We included 10 discussants aged 18-24 per FGD, one FGD had 8 participants.ResultsBoth men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions around contraception were discussed, they included jeopardizing future fertility, prolonged menstrual bleeding, problems conceiving, birth defects, promiscuity, against religion and perceived to be un-African including denying couples their sexual freedom. Compared to female respondents in the study, men appeared to be strong believers of the perceived socio-cultural effects of contraceptives. Results are presented under three key themes namely (i) Awareness of contraception (ii) Myths and misconceptions around contraception and (iii) Males’ contraceptive narratives. Conclusions Improved sexual and reproductive health (SRH) literacy to address contraceptives’ fears through appropriate and gender specific interventions to reach out to young men and women with factual SRH information may contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 39-44
Author(s):  
E. Vlasenkova ◽  
M. Gagarina

The article presents the results of an empirical study of the characteristics of the evaluation of social and political advertising by young men and women. In total 96 respondents aged 18 to 22 years (M = 18.7; SD = 0.92) took part in research. The semantic differential was used as a research method; respondents were asked to evaluate two photographs depicting social and political advertising on public transport. By comparing the average estimates of social and political advertising, it was found that political advertising as a whole is evaluated more negatively than social advertising. Young men evaluate social advertising more positively than young women. There were no significant differences in the assessment of political advertising between the two genders.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jefferson Mwaisaka ◽  
Lianne Gonsalves ◽  
Mary Thiongo ◽  
Michael Waithaka ◽  
Hellen Sidha ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Myths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake. Nearly all the research on the link between contraceptives’ misconceptions and low contraceptive prevalence comes mostly from women with little focus on men. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand both young men’s and young women’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify key concerns regarding modern pregnancy prevention methods.Methods: We used focus group discussions (FGD) with vignette and writing activities to explore key myths and misconceptions around the use of contraceptives. Six FGDs (three for young men and three for young women) were conducted with a total of 28 young women and 30 young men from Kwale County, Kenya. We included 10 discussants aged 18-24 per FGD, one FGD had 8 participants.Results: Both men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions around contraception were discussed, they included jeopardizing future fertility, prolonged menstrual bleeding, problems conceiving, birth defects, promiscuity, against religion and perceived to be un-African including denying couples their sexual freedom. Compared to female respondents in the study, young men appeared to be strong believers of the perceived socio-cultural effects of contraceptives. Results are presented under three key themes namely (i) Awareness of contraception (ii) Myths and misconceptions around contraception and (iii) Males’ contraceptive narratives. Conclusions: This study revealed a low level of contraceptive knowledge among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya. Most respondents reported contraceptive fears and misconceptions resulting from critical gaps in Sexual and Reproductive Health knowledge. Improved sexual and reproductive health (SRH) literacy to address contraceptives’ fears through appropriate and gender specific interventions to reach out to young men and women with factual SRH information may contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.


Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 131 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kobina A Wilmot ◽  
Martin O’Flaherty ◽  
Simon Capewell ◽  
Earl S Ford ◽  
Viola Vaccarino

Background: Cardiovascular mortality rates have fallen dramatically over the past four decades. However, recent unfavorable trends in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors among young adults (obesity, diabetes, and tobacco use) raise concerns about their subsequent impact on CHD mortality. Furthermore, recent data from the US and other countries suggest a worsening of CHD incidence and mortality among young women. We therefore examined recent trends in CHD mortality rates in the US according to age and sex. Methods: We used mortality data between 1980 and 2011 from US adults ≥ 25 years. We calculated age-specific CHD mortality rates and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) for US adults, and compared three decades of data (1980-1989, 1990-1999, and 2000-2011). We also used Joinpoint regression modeling to assess changes in trends over time, based on inflection points of the mortality distribution. Results: Young men and women (aged<55 years) showed a robust decline in CHD mortality from 1980 until 1989 (EAPC -5.5% in men and -4.6% in women). However, the two subsequent decades saw stagnation with minimal improvement (Table). This was particularly true for young women who had no improvements between 1990 and 1999 (EAPC +0.1%), and only -1% EAPC since 2000. In contrast, older adults (65+years) showed steep annual declines since 2000, approximately doubled compared with the previous period (women, -5.0% and men, -4.4%). Jointpoint analyses provided consistent results. Conclusions: The dramatic declines in cardiovascular mortality since 1980 conceals major heterogeneities. CHD death rates in older groups are now falling steeply. However, young men and women have enjoyed small decreases in CHD mortality rates since 1990. The drivers of these major differences in CHD mortality trends by age and sex needs urgent study.


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