Impact of School Closures, Precipitated by COVID-19, on Weight and Weight-Related Risk Factors among Schoolteachers: A Cross-Sectional Study

The school closures, precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, required teachers to convert their entire classroom curricula to online formats, taught from home. This shift to a more sedentary teaching environment, coupled with the stresses related to the pandemic, may correlate with weight gain. In total, 52% of study participants reported weight gain, with a higher prevalence observed among kindergarten and elementary school teachers when compared to high school teachers (p < 0.05). Deviations in physical activity, emotional eating, and dietary patterns were assessed among 129 teachers (using the Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire, the Dutch Eating Behavioral Questionnaire, and a short-form Food Frequency Questionnaire, respectively) to uncover possible associations with the observed weight gain. Increases in sedentariness (p < 0.005), emotional eating (p < 0.001), the consumption of potatoes, fries, breads, cheese, cake (p < 0.05), chips, candy, ice-cream, and soft drinks (p < 0.005) were all positively correlated with weight gain. Decreases in exercise frequency (p < 0.001), and the consumption of fruits (p < 0.05) and beans (p < 0.005), were also positively correlated with weight gain. Weight gain, observed among teachers during school closures, was associated with changes in diet, emotional eating and physical activity.

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The impact of COVID-19 quarantine on dietary habits and physical activity in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11540-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Manar Abduljalil Bakhsh ◽

Jomana Khawandanah ◽

Rouba Khalil Naaman ◽

Shoug Alashmali

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Adult Population ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Future Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments around the world to impose strict hygiene and national lockdown measures, which in turn has changed the dietary and lifestyle habits of the world’s population. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate whether dietary and physical activity behaviors of Saudi Arabia’s adult population changed during the COVID-19 quarantine. Methods An electronic questionnaire which assessed changes in body weight, dietary habits, and physical activity of Saudi Arabia’s adult population (n = 2255) during the COVID-19 quarantine was distributed on social media between June and July 2020. To test the differences between changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors in relation to changes in body weight a Chi-square test was used. Results Over 40 and 45% of participants reported eating and snacking more, respectively, which led to weight gain in around 28%. Most participants reported that they consumed home-cooked (73%) and healthy meals (47%), while only 7% reported that they consumed foods from restaurants. Feelings of boredom and emptiness (44%) and the availability of time for preparing meals (40%) were the main reasons for changing dietary habits. Honey (43%) and vitamin C (50%) were the most consumed immune-boosting food and dietary supplement, respectively. COVID-19 also had a negative impact on physical activity, lowering the practice in 52% subjects, which was associated with significant weight gain (p < 0.001). Conclusion Assessing the changes to the population’s dietary habits and physical activity during the lockdown will help predict the outcome of the population’s future health and wellbeing after the pandemic.

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Association Between Physical Activity and Post menopausal Symptoms in Saudi Women: A Cross-sectional Study

Iranian Rehabilitation Journal ◽

10.32598/irj.19.2.1237.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 157-164

Author(s):

Muneera Almurdi ◽

◽

Syamala Buragadda ◽

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Short Form ◽

Study Groups ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Menopausal Symptoms ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physically Active ◽

Menopausal Women ◽

Significant Difference

Objectives: Menopause is the termination of a woman’s menstrual cycle for a year. In this condition, women’s health status declines due to hormonal changes and aging. Physical Activity (PA) is among the best available alternatives for managing menopause-related symptoms without any adverse effects. This study aimed to assess the relationship between PA and symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, and insomnia in Saudi menopausal women. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 60 menopausal women; they were divided into physically active and inactive groups. The group allocation was conducted based on their PA level determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form (IPAQ-SF). Menopausal symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, and insomnia were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), respectively, in the study groups. The association between PA and fatigue, depression, and insomnia was assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The significance level was set at P≤0.05. Results: Fatigue, depression, and insomnia were more prevalent in physically inactive post-menopause women than the active women. A significant difference was observed in the outcome variables between the study groups. Furthermore, a significant association was detected between PA and fatigue, depression, and insomnia in the study participants. Discussion: Half of the explored menopausal women were physically active. Physically active menopausal women presented less fatigue, depression, and insomnia, compared to their inactive counterparts. This study suggested that PA positively impacted menopausal symptoms (fatigue, insomnia, & depression). Besides, the collected results highlighted the importance of physical activity among menopausal women.

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

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph181910257 ◽

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.

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Physical activity and socio-economic status of single and married urban adults: a cross-sectional study

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.12466 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. e12466

Author(s):

Daniel Puciato ◽

Michał Rozpara

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Marital Status ◽

Short Form ◽

Occupational Status ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Urban Adults

Background Changing family models have resulted in a large increase in the number of single-person households. This phenomenon has certain implications for society and the economy as single people often exhibit different behaviours, including their engagement in health-related physical activity, than those who are married and living with partners. However, the results of studies on determinants of physical activity in people of different marital status have been inconclusive. The aim of this study was to identify associations between physical activity and socioeconomic status in single and married urban adults. Methods The study material consisted of 4,460 persons (1,828 single and 2,632 married and living with partners). A cross-sectional study was conducted in Wroclaw (Poland). A diagnostic survey-direct interview method was used. Two research tools were applied: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Socioeconomic Status Questionnaire (S-ESQ). The level of respondents’ physical activity was assessed following WHO recommendations. The descriptive statistics included the number and frequency of categories of dependent and independent variables as well as measures of association between them, i.e., crude and adjusted odds ratios. Results The odds ratio of meeting the WHO physical activity recommendations was almost 70% higher in single than in married respondents (OR = 1.67; CI [1.46–2.19]), and slightly more than 40% higher after adjusting for sex, age and education (aOR = 1.42; CI [1.21–1.67]). In both groups socioeconomic the respondents’ status revealed a significant and slightly different association with their levels of physical activity. Occupational status and financial savings significantly affected the level of physical activity in single respondents, while net disposable income was a significant modifier of physical activity levels in respondents who were married or lived with their partners. Conclusions Assessment of the levels and determinants of physical activity among people of different marital status should be continued and extended to other subpopulations. This will allow effective preventive and therapeutic measures to be taken for groups most at risk of hypokinesia. Programs aimed at improving physical activity accounting for the socioeconomic status and marital status of their beneficiaries are particularly important.

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Levels of physical activity and its association with antigravity muscles

Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association ◽

10.47391/jpma.04-592 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 71 (10) ◽

pp. 2445-2447

Author(s):

Rizwana Butt ◽

Wardah Hussain Malick ◽

Sidra Kouser ◽

Danish Raouf

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Medical Students ◽

Short Form ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Manual Muscle Testing ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Time Duration ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Muscle Testing ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Objective: To determine the association of the physical activity levels with the strength of antigravity muscles in medical students of Isra University, Islamabad. Methods: An analytical cross sectional study was conducted at Isra University, Islamabad on 200 medical students over a time duration of three months i.e. from November, 2018 to February, 2019. The participants aged between 17-25 years were included in the study. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire- Short Form 7 (IPAQ-SF-7) was used to determine the physical activity levels and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) was used for evaluating the antigravity muscles’ strength. The data was analyzed by using SPSS version 22. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 21.27±1.784. Of the 200 participants, 155 (77.5%) were females and 45 (22.5%) were males. A significant association was found between the physical activity levels and the antigravity muscles’ strength (p<0.001). Conclusion: Physical activity levels were significantly associated with the strength of the antigravity muscles in the medical students of Isra University, Islamabad. Continuous....

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Non-communicable diseases risk factors among government school teachers in Jodhpur, Rajasthan

International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS) ◽

10.11591/ijphs.v10i4.20895 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 920

Author(s):

Vibha Joshi ◽

Nitin Kumar Joshi ◽

Praveen Suthar ◽

Yogesh Kumar Jain

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

School Teachers ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Government School ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Associated Risk Factors ◽

Suitable Framework

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are considered as life-style diseases. School teachers' behavior in this context could be transmitted to students that may act as determining factor of prevention for NCDs at primordial level. Aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of risk factors among teachers and their practices with respect to common NCDs. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jodhpur among 394 government school teachers. Questionnaire was adopted from WHO STEPS tool and responses were documented which included socio-demographic details, anthropometric measurements and risk factors including diet, hours of physical activity, smoking and alcohol intake. Mean age of participants was 43 years out of which 23% were found to be having blood pressure more than 140/90 mm of Hg at the time of interview. 4.8% consumed alcohol and 1.5% was smokers. Mean body mass index (BMI) was found to be 25.4 while only 13% had their cholesterol checked post 35 years of age. The 23.6% had knowledge of reducing fat by using the right type of cooking oil, 35.7% were engaged in any daily physical activity and 76% knew that excess salt was not good for health. This survey assessed baseline levels by identifying the overall prevalence and associated risk factors that provided first step towards initiating surveillance for NCDs among school teachers in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, whilst delivering the necessary information concerning with developing a suitable framework for determining priorities over intervention.

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Single and Combinative Impacts of Healthy Eating Behavior and Physical Activity on COVID-19-like Symptoms among Outpatients: A Multi-Hospital and Health Center Survey

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13093258 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 3258

Author(s):

Minh H. Nguyen ◽

Thu T. M. Pham ◽

Dinh N. Vu ◽

Binh N. Do ◽

Hoang C. Nguyen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Eating Behavior ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Physical Inactivity ◽

Short Form ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physically Active ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Healthy Eating Behavior

Background: Healthy eating and physical activity are effective non-pharmacological approaches to boost immune function and contain the pandemic. We aimed to explore the associations and interactions between physical activity and healthy eating behavior with COVID-19-like symptoms (Slike-CV19S). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 3947 outpatients, from 14 February to 2 March 2020, at nine health facilities in Vietnam. Data collection included sociodemographic characteristics, healthy eating behavior (using the healthy eating score (HES) questionnaire), physical activity (using the short form international physical activity questionnaire), and Slike-CV19S. The associations and interactions were tested using logistic regression models. Results: Frequent intake of fruits (OR = 0.84; p = 0.016), vegetables (OR = 0.72; p = 0.036), and fish (OR = 0.43; p < 0.001) were associated with a lower Slike-CV19S likelihood, as compared with infrequent intake. Patients with higher HES levels (OR = 0.84; p = 0.033 for medium HES; OR = 0.77; p = 0.006 for high HES) or being physically active (OR = 0.69; p < 0.001) had a lower Slike-CV19S likelihood, as compared to those with low HES or physical inactivity, respectively. Patients with medium HES who were physically active (OR = 0.69; p = 0.005), or with high HES and physically active (OR = 0.58; p < 0.001), had a lower Slike-CV19S likelihood, as compared to those with low HES and physical inactivity. Conclusions: Healthy eating behavior and physical activity showed single and combinative impacts on protecting people from Slike-CV19S. Strategic approaches are encouraged to improve healthy behaviors, which may further contribute to containing the pandemic.

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Levels of Physical Activity, Patterns, and Perceived Barriers, Among University Students in Oman: A cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Social Science and Economics ◽

10.22158/ijsse.v1n1p49 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. p49

Author(s):

Amal Al Siyabi ◽

Ozayr Mahomed ◽

Huda Al Siyabi ◽

Sitwat Usman Langrial ◽

Salah T. Al Awaidy

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

University Students ◽

Short Form ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Perceived Barriers ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Physical Activity ◽

Highly Active

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, pattern, and the perceived barriers, of physical activity among Omani university students studying in Oman.Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire using the short-form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was disseminated to a selected sample of university students, from their second academic year onwards through Whats AppTM. Descriptive, Bivariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to measure patterns, levels and associated factors. Results: Overall 44% were classified as highly active, 30% as moderately active, and 26% as lowly active or inactive. Younger students (?22 years), male students, respondents with a positive perception of weight (normal or below), and self-perceived physically active (moderate to high) were more likely to engage in moderate to high physical activity. Students in university for ? 4 years (OR: 2.69) and students were members of sports youth clubs (OR: 2.76) were significantly more likely to engage in moderate or high physical activity. Lack of motivation was the top barrier of physical activity.Conclusions: More than a quarter of surveyed Omani university students were physically inactive which has the potential to have a detrimental effect on their health and well-being. Therefore, creating a conducive environment is essential for improving short and long-term health outcomes.

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Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Related to Healthy Habits, Learning Processes, and Academic Achievement in Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu10111566 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 1566 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Ramón Chacón-Cuberos ◽

Félix Zurita-Ortega ◽

Asunción Martínez-Martínez ◽

Eva Olmedo-Moreno ◽

Manuel Castro-Sánchez

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Learning Strategies ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Short Form ◽

Self Regulation ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Healthy Habits

Background: Several studies have shown that following a healthy diet and practicing regular physical activity (PA) are related with multiple health benefits. However, the cognitive and academic implications of these behaviors within adolescents requires further study. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a simple of 1059 adolescents from Spain. The main instruments employed were the Adherence to Mediterranean Diet Test (KIDMED), the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) and the Motivation and Learning Strategies Short Form (MSLQ-SF). Results: Practicing PA for more than three hours per week was related to better dietary habits (p < 0.001) such as increased consumption of vegetables (0.75 ± 0.43 vs. 0.62 ± 0.48), fish (0.67 ± 0.47 vs. 0.58 ± 0.49), cereals (0.85 ± 0.35 vs. 0.77 ± 0.41) and nuts (0.44 ± 0.49 vs. 0.35 ± 0.47). High adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD) was positively related to elaboration strategies (r = 0.116), organizational strategies (r = 0.109), critical thinking (r = 0.116), self-regulation (r = 0.159), time and study habits (r = 0.160), self-regulation of effort (r = 0.118), and intrinsically orientated goals (r = 0.090) (p < 0.01 for all variables). Practicing PA every week was also related to improvements in several of the measured variables and in addition was related to lower levels of anxiety within the academic environment (r = −0.070; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Given the benefits of eating habits and the practice of PA in the cognitive processes involved in adolescent learning, intervention programs within the educational context are recommended to improve healthy habits.

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Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity attenuates the detrimental effects of television viewing on the cardiorespiratory fitness in Asian adolescents: the Asia-fit study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-019-8079-0 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Tetsuhiro Kidokoro ◽

Koya Suzuki ◽

Hisashi Naito ◽

Govindasamy Balasekaran ◽

Jong Kook Song ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽

Television Viewing ◽

Reference Group ◽

Short Form ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Asian Population ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Asian Adolescents

Abstract Background Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and television viewing are independently associated with cardiorespiratory fitness. However, limited evidence is available on their combined effects, specifically of MVPA and watching television, on cardiorespiratory fitness in the young Asian population. Therefore, the present study examined whether MVPA can attenuate the detrimental effects of prolonged television viewing on the cardiorespiratory fitness of Asian adolescents. Methods This is a cross-sectional study on 9553 adolescents (aged 12–15 years) from 8 Asian metropolitan cities (Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taipei, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, and Singapore). Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by using a 15-m progressive aerobic capacity endurance run (PACER) test. The time spent on MVPA and watching television was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. Results MVPA was more closely associated with the PACER score than the duration of watching television. Compared with the reference group (i.e. those with the lowest levels of MVPA [< 30 min/day] and the most sedentary [≥3 h/day of television time]), PACER scores were significantly higher for those who met the physical activity recommendation (≥60 min/day in MVPA), regardless of the duration of television viewing. Conversely, girls in the least active group (< 30 min/day of MVPA) who watched television < 1 h/day demonstrated better PACER scores than the reference group. Conclusions Sufficient MVPA (≥60 min/day) can attenuate the detrimental effects of excessive television viewing with cardiorespiratory fitness in Asian adolescents. In addition, the duration of television viewing had significant but weaker associations with cardiorespiratory fitness compared to MVPA.

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