scholarly journals Sustainable Initiatives in Sports Organizations—Analysis of a Group of Stakeholders in Pandemic Times

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 9122
Author(s):  
Ricardo Roseira Cayolla ◽  
Teresa Santos ◽  
Joana A. Quintela

This study explores the importance of environmentally sustainable initiatives in sport (ESIS) for stakeholders in pandemic times. Three topics—climate changes and energy consumption, environmental impact of sports events, and health and well-being—were considered and analysed under three sustainability forms: organisational, community, and individual. A total of 5917 stakeholders (sponsors, employees, and members) of a sports organization realised one online survey. The data gathering process occurred during pandemic times, when every kind of collective sport event was suspended to the general public. The descriptive analysis of the results is provided, and the findings reveal that health and well-being is the most valorised topic by members and employees, in a sustainable individual form. On the other hand, sponsors manifest their interest mainly in a sustainability organisational and community forms.

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e047909
Author(s):  
Jacqui A Macdonald ◽  
Lauren M Francis ◽  
Helen Skouteris ◽  
George J Youssef ◽  
Liam G Graeme ◽  
...  

PurposeThe Men and Parenting Pathways (MAPP) Study is a prospective investigation of men’s mental health and well-being across the normative age for transitioning to fatherhood. This includes trajectories and outcomes for men who do and do not become fathers across five annual waves of the study.ParticipantsAustralian resident, English-speaking men aged 28–32 years at baseline were eligible. Recruitment was over a 2-year period (2015–2017) via social and traditional media and through engagement with study partners. Eight hundred and eighteen eligible men consented to participate. Of these, 664 men completed the first online survey of whom 608 consented to ongoing participation. Of the ongoing sample, 83% have participated in at least two of the first three annual online surveys.Findings to dateThree waves of data collection are complete. The first longitudinal analysis of MAPP data, published in 2020, identified five profiles that characterise men’s patterns of depressive symptom severity and presentations of anger. Profiles indicating pronounced anger and depressive symptoms were associated with fathers’ lack of perceived social support, and problems with coparenting and bonding with infants. In a second study, MAPP data were combined with three other Australian cohorts in a meta-analysis of associations between fathers’ self-reported sleep problems up to 3 years postpartum and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Adjusted meta-analytic associations between paternal sleep and mental health risk ranged from 0.25 to 0.37.Future plansMAPP is an ongoing cohort study. Waves 4 and 5 data will be ready for analyses at the end of 2021. Future investigations will include crossed-lagged and trajectory analyses that assess inter-relatedness and changing social networks, mental health, work and family life. A nested study of COVID-19 pandemic-related mental health and coping will add two further waves of data collection in a subsample of MAPP participants.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela McKinney ◽  
Andrew Martin Cox ◽  
Laura Sbaffi

BACKGROUND Tracking and logging food intake and activity are increasing and there is evidence of links to improvement in health and well-being as a result of these activities. Crucial to the effective and safe use of logging is users’ information literacy. OBJECTIVE To analyse food and activity tracking from an information literacy perspective. METHODS An online survey was distributed to three communities via parkrun, diabetes.co.uk and the IBS Network. RESULTS The data showed that there were clear differences in the logging practices that members of the three communities engaged with, and differences in motivations for tracking and extent of sharing of tracked data. Respondents showed a good understanding of the importance of information accuracy, and were confident in their abilities to understand tracked data. There were differences in the extent to which food and diet data was shared, and a lack of understanding of the potential re-use and sharing of data by third parties. CONCLUSIONS Information literacy in this context involves developing awareness of the issues of accurate information recording, and how tracked information can be applied to support specific health goals. Developing awareness of how and when to share data, and of data ownership and privacy are important aspects of information literacy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 40-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danae Papageorgiou ◽  
Angelos P. Kassianos ◽  
Marios Constantinou ◽  
Demetris Lamnisos ◽  
Christiana Nicolaou ◽  
...  

Abstract. Introduction: Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries imposed strict governmental lockdowns. Research investigating the psychological impact of pandemic-induced lockdowns is accumulating, though to date no study has examined the psychological health and associated parameters of well-being in countries that underwent additional lockdowns as the pandemic continued into resurgence “waves.” Aim: The present study provides an overview of the psychological impact of COVID-19 across the two lockdowns in the Cypriot population. Methods: In total, 957 participants completed an online survey during the first lockdown, 134 of whom completed a similar survey again during the second lockdown. The outcomes assessed included stress, positive and negative affect, and well-being. Results: The results indicated no population-wide severe reactions in the participants. Repeated measures analyses showed similar mental health levels during both the first and the second lockdowns. Further inspection of participants’ scores indicated that, for all mental health variables, approximately half of the participants improved, while the other half deteriorated. Discussion: Perceived social support and psychological flexibility predicted most psychological outcomes during both lockdowns. Further research is necessary to understand the continuing effects of the pandemic and associated lockdowns on mental health.


2020 ◽  
pp. 002076402093632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kanika K Ahuja ◽  
Debanjan Banerjee ◽  
Kritika Chaudhary ◽  
Chehak Gidwani

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global health threat. Biological disasters like this can generate immense prejudice, xenophobia, stigma and othering, all of which have adverse consequences on health and well-being. In a country as diverse and populous in India, such crisis can trigger communalism and mutual blame. Keeping this in context, this study explored the relationship between well-being and xenophobic attitudes towards Muslims, collectivism and fear of COVID-19 in India. Methods: The study was carried out on 600 non-Islamic Indians (231 males, 366 females and 3 others; mean age: 38.76 years), using convenience sampling. An online survey containing Fear of Coronavirus scale, Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale and Collectivism Scale was used. Xenophobia was assessed using two scales: generalized prejudice towards Muslims and specific xenophobic tendencies towards Muslims during COVID-19. The data were analysed using correlational methods and multiple regression. Results: The findings showed that positively significant relationship exists between well-being and age as well as with collectivism, while an inversely significant relationship between well-being and fear of COVID-19 was found. The results of the multiple regression analysis shows that fear of COVID-19, age, collectivism and generalized xenophobia, in the order of their importance, together contributed to nearly 20% of variance in well-being. Conclusion: The findings are reflective of the importance of collectivism in enhancing well-being in these times of uncertainty. Xenophobia, one of the common offshoots of pandemics, can also harm the overall well-being. Implications are discussed in the light of India’s diverse socio-religious background and global context.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lizzy Winstone ◽  
Becky Mars ◽  
CMA Haworth ◽  
Jon Heron ◽  
Judi Kidger

Background There is mixed evidence as to the effects of different types of social media use on mental health, but previous research has been platform-specific and has focused on an oversimplified distinction between active and passive use. This study aimed to identify different underlying subgroups of adolescent social media user based on their pattern of social media activities and test associations between user type and future mental health. Methods Students from nineteen schools (N=2,456) in south-west England completed an online survey measuring thirteen social media activities and four psychosocial outcomes (past year self-harm, depression, anxiety and poor well-being) at age 13 years (October 2019) and repeated a year later (October 2020; aged 14 years). Latent class analysis using Mplus identified distinct classes of social media user. A bias-adjusted three-step model was used to test associations between class membership at baseline and mental health at follow-up. Analyses were adjusted for gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, disability, social media screen-time and baseline mental health.Results A four-class model of social media user at baseline was selected based on fit statistics and interpretability. User types were labelled High Communicators; Moderate Communicators; Broadcasters; and Minimal users. Broadcasters at age 13 had the poorest mental health outcomes at age 14, with mental health and well-being generally better in the two Communicator groups. Conclusions Findings suggest that adolescents with high levels of content sharing – in addition to socialising and browsing online – are most likely to be experiencing poor mental health a year later. Recommendations regarding social media use should move beyond screen-time to consider different user types, and mental health implications of their engagement with different online activities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Javier Bartos ◽  
María J. Funes ◽  
Marc Ouellet ◽  
M. Pilar Posadas ◽  
Chris Krägeloh

Here, we report on a quasi-experimental study to explore the applicability and perceived benefits of the CRAFT program, which is based on mindfulness, yoga, positive psychology, and emotional intelligence, to improve higher education student musicians’ health and well-being during the lockdown. A subset of student musicians at a Higher Conservatory of Music in Spain followed the CRAFT program during the academic year 2019/2020, 1 h per week as part of their curriculum. Students enrolled in CRAFT-based elective subjects formed the CRAFT program group (n = 40), while other students represented the control group (n = 53). The onset of the national lockdown elicited by the COVID-19 pandemic occurred halfway through the program, which was subsequently delivered in an online format. We administered an online survey to explore the effect that the exposure to the CRAFT program had in terms of how participants dealt with various health and well-being concerns arising from the COVID-19 lockdown. There was a significantly higher proportion of proactive participants in the CRAFT program group, 92%, than in the control group, 58%, in terms of implementing practices to improve their health and well-being during the lockdown. Additionally, significantly more participants acknowledged perceived benefits from their practices in the CRAFT program group, 78%, than in the control group, 52%. Among proactive participants, yoga/meditation was the most implemented in the CRAFT program group, followed by exercise, and other yoga/meditation practices, whereas in the control group, exercise and Alexander technique-based practices were the most applied. In the CRAFT program group, the highest rate of perceived benefits was from yoga/meditation CRAFT-based practices, 51%, followed by exercise, 32%, and other yoga/meditation practices, 27%, whereas in the control group, benefits were reported by 29% of exercising participants and 16% for those having practiced the Alexander technique. A similar pattern was observed when excluding participants with previous yoga/meditation experience. This study revealed how participants can independently apply learned skills from the CRAFT program in response to a naturally occurring life event of unprecedented global impact, suggesting that previous exposure to mindfulness and yoga is likely to have a beneficial effect on how young adults react towards exceptionally stressful conditions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilary A. T. Caldwell ◽  
Camille L. Hancock Friesen ◽  
Sara F. L. Kirk

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic led to school closures, cancellations of major events, and loss of in-person social interactions for children and youth. These restrictions undoubtedly impacted the lives of children and youth. This study describes the well-being of children and youth in Nova Scotia during the COVID-19 pandemic and their thoughts and feelings about the return to school, from the perspectives of both youth and parents.Methods: A province-wide survey was conducted in August 2020 with parents of school-age children and youth and youth to measure youth well-being since the pandemic began.Results: Parents of children and youth in grades pre-primary to 12 (n = 699; 53% girls) and youth in grades 3–12 (n = 279; 69% girls) completed the online survey. Perceptions of parents about children's emotions during the pandemic were: bored, safe, lonely, happy, and anxious. Youth reported feeling bored, relaxed, depressed, safe, and worried. Sixty-three percent of youth and 72% of parents reported that they/their child felt they were missing important life events. Parents reported that being with parents, being physically active and being with friends made their child feel positive. Youth reported that being with friends, pets and watching TV made them feel good during this time. Seventy-six percent of parents and 62% of youth reported they/their child were getting more screen time than before the pandemic. With schools closed, participants most frequently shared that they missed friends and social interactions, in-person learning, and extra-curricular activities. Youth and parents expressed worries about COVID-19 outbreaks and related restrictions when schools re-opened to in-person learning.Conclusion: The well-being of children and youth in Nova Scotia was greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and related school closures in 2020. It is essential that pandemic recovery plans prioritize the health and well-being of children and youth.


2019 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-62
Author(s):  
Kelli Young ◽  
Abrielle Dodington ◽  
Catherine Smith ◽  
Carol S. Heck

Background. Sexuality is an important dimension of one’s health and well-being. Studies show that occupational therapists regard clients’ sexual health as a legitimate domain of practice but do not adequately address it in their clinical work. Purpose. This study aims to describe occupational therapists’ perspectives regarding clients’ sexual health. Method. This exploratory study surveyed Canadian occupational therapists using an online questionnaire that collected information on beliefs, knowledge, comfort, barriers, and facilitators with regard to addressing sexuality. Descriptive analysis was conducted on questionnaire data, and content analysis was used to organize respondents’ comments. Findings. While most respondents believed that addressing sexuality was within their scope, few actually did so in practice. Participants reported comfort with sexuality but identified lack of knowledge as a barrier to addressing clients’ sexual health. Implications. This study provided a greater understanding of factors that require consideration for occupational therapists to effectively meet clients’ sexual health needs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 92 (10) ◽  
pp. 786-797
Author(s):  
Marion Venus ◽  
Martin grosse Holtforth

OBJECTIVE: This research was conducted to compare short haul (SH) and long haul (LH) pilots regarding sleep restrictions and fatigue risks on flight duty, stress, sleep problems, fatigue severity, well-being, and mental health. METHOD: There were 406 international SH and LH pilots who completed the cross-sectional online survey. Pilots sleep restrictions and fatigue-risk profiles (e.g., time pressure, late arrivals, minimum rest), sleep problems, fatigue severity, well-being, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and common mental disorders (CMD) were measured and compared for SH and LH pilots. RESULTS: Although SH and LH pilots were scheduled for only 51.465.4% of the legally allowed duty and flight hours, 44.8% of SH pilots reported severe fatigue (FSS 4 to 4.9), and an additional 31.7% high fatigue (FSS 5), compared with 34.7% and 37.3% LH pilots. Considerable sleep problems in 8 nights/mo were reported by 24.6% SH vs. 23.5% LH pilots. Positive depression screenings were reported by 18.1% SH and 19.3% LH pilots. Positive anxiety screenings were reported by 9.6% SH and 5% LH pilots. Of all investigated pilots, 20% reported significant symptoms of depression or anxiety, and 7.23% had positive depression and anxiety screenings. LH pilots reported significantly better well-being than SH pilots. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that even far less duty and flight hours than legally allowed according to flight time limitations lead to high levels of fatigue, sleep problems, and significant mental health issues among pilots. SH pilots were even more affected than LH pilots. Pilots fatigue should be considered an immediate threat to aviation safety and pilots fitness to fly by promoting fatigue and burnout. Venus M, grosse Holtforth M. Short and long haul pilots rosters, stress, sleep problems, fatigue, mental health, and well-being. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2021; 92(10):786797.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Teufer ◽  
G Lang ◽  
L Affengruber ◽  
L Grillich

Abstract Background Developments in the working world (e.g. digitalization) are imposing new demands on employees. However, it remains unclear how digitalization affects health and well-being at work and how companies can respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. In order to stimulate the discussion of these issues, the Austrian Health Promotion Fund supported 20 projects focusing on ‘Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) in the Working world 4.0'. The central research questions were: What challenges and opportunities regarding “Work 4.0” were identified and what measures have the companies developed? Methods We used a combination of different qualitative and quantitative research methods and instruments. As a first step in this multi-stage process, we conducted workshops with the WHP project managers of each company. Subsequently, we carried out a document analysis of the developed catalogues of measures to identify the underlying opportunities and challenges. To quantify and validate these results, we invited the project leaders and team members to participate in an online survey. Results As the WHP projects in the companies progressed, the focus shifted from the challenges to the opportunities offered by digitalization. On average, opportunities were rated more important than challenges in the online survey. The most important challenges were sensitization of managers, permanent accessibility as a health risk and mental stress and strain. The most important opportunities were the optimization of knowledge transfer, communication and documentation. The measures implemented ranged from the use of innovative tools, to knowledge transfer on methods and health-related content, to changes in materials and organization. Conclusions The examination of digitalization in the context of health and well-being at work has highlighted the positive aspects of digitalization. The health promotion measures implemented can serve as examples of good practice for other companies. Key messages As companies began to consciously examine digitalization in the context of health and well-being at work, the focus shifted from the challenges of digitalization to the opportunities it offers. To meet the challenges of digitalization and to act on emerging opportunities, companies have implemented numerous different measures that can serve as examples of good practice for other companies.


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