Environmental Influences on Children's Physical Activity and Eating Habits in a Rural Oregon County

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. e74-e85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy E. Findholt ◽  
Yvonne L. Michael ◽  
Linda J. Jerofke ◽  
Victoria W. Brogoitti
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Community Food Security ◽  
School Students ◽  
Environmental Barriers ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity

Purpose. To identify environmental barriers and facilitators of children's physical activity and healthy eating in a rural county. Design. Community-based participatory research using mixed methods, primarily qualitative. Setting. A rural Oregon county. Subjects. Ninety-five adults, 6 high school students, and 41 fifth-grade students. Measures. In-depth interviews, focus groups, Photovoice, and structured observations using the Physical Activity Resource Assessment, System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity, Community Food Security Assessment Toolkit, and School Food and Beverage Marketing Assessment Tool. Analysis. Qualitative data were coded by investigators; observational data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings were triangulated to produce a composite of environmental barriers and assets. Results. Limited recreational resources, street-related hazards, fear of strangers, inadequate physical education, and denial of recess hindered physical activity, whereas popularity of youth sports and proximity to natural areas promoted physical activity. Limited availability and high cost of healthy food, busy lifestyles, convenience stores near schools, few healthy meal choices at school, children's being permitted to bring snacks to school, candy used as incentives, and teachers' modeling unhealthy eating habits hindered healthy eating, whereas the agricultural setting and popularity of gardening promoted healthy eating. Conclusions. This study provides data on a neglected area of research, namely environmental determinants of rural childhood obesity, and points to the need for multifaceted and multilevel environmental change interventions.

scholarly journals Health-oriented behaviours of secondary school students – a student and teacher evaluation/ Zachowania prozdrowotne młodzieży licealnej w ocenie uczniów i ich nauczycieli

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 40-44
Author(s):  
Dorota Hraca
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
School Students ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Healthy Habits ◽  
Healthy Eating Habits

Introduction: Health-oriented behaviours are actions taken to promote health and to prevent illness. These are behaviours whose purpose is to improve the environment around the human being, and thus to create conditions conducive to healthy living. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to investigate the real patterns of health-oriented behaviours among high school students and to evaluate these behaviours in students and teachers. Material and methods: The study included 100 students (16-19 years of age) attending a general secondary school and 30 teachers employed at the same institution. The author chose to conduct a diagnostic survey with the use of a questionnaire. The research tool used in the study was a questionnaire prepared by the author, containing 12 questions, addressed to both students and teachers. The questionnaire was based on four research themes: eating habits of high school students, frequency with which they undertake physical activity, manners of dealing with stress, and ways in which they affect the behavior of their peers. Results: The results of the study indicate that young people of today are more aware of health-oriented behaviors. Studies have shown that 92% (92) of students are physically active, 77% (77) consider they have healthy eating habits; 90% (90) of the students stated that they cope with stress by listening to music and taking part in sport. The vast majority (as many as 84% (84)), think that stimulants are very harmful. The teachers considered that most of the students have healthy habits. Conclusions: The knowledge of high school students about health-oriented behaviors is satisfactory. Most students put this knowledge into practice through physical activity, healthy eating, avoiding drugs, and finding ways to cope with stress. According to the teachers, students are fully aware of positive and negative phenomena related to health and of how they can affect them.

THE EFFECTS OF EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION THAT IS APPLIED IN RURAL TURKEY ON THE HEALTHY EATING HABITS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS OF ADOLESCENTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (39) ◽  
pp. 0-0
Author(s):  
Funda ÖZPULAT ◽  
Nazmi BİLİR
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Healthy Diet ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
School Students ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Healthy Eating Habits

This research was aimed to determine the effect of educational intervention on healthy eating habits and physical activity levels of high school students. The research was conducted in two stages with a total of 800 students from 4 schools between the dates of 25.12.2016 - 31.05.2017. In the first stage, a questionnaire form consisting of 21 questions was applied to all students, and their height and weight measurements were collected. In the second stage, the planned educational intervention was implemented (n = 490) and the height and weight measurements of the students were collected again. The perception of students' body structures changed according to their genders before the intervention (p=.006), however, after the intervention, there was no correlation between the gender of students and their perception of their bodies. In addition, it was determined that the rate of those who stated that they, generally, had a healthy diet after the intervention increased from 38.8% to 52.2%. According to the results obtained from the research conducted, female students, at higher rates, perceive their weight incorrectly than male students. The intervention had little effect on the BMI of the students, while the proportion of those who had a healthy diet, and those who were physically active had increased. Based on the results obtained, it can be said that increasing the number of intervention programs and studies targeting adolescents will be effective in achieving positive results.

THE EFFECTS OF EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION ON THE HEALTHY EATING HABITS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS OF ADOLESCENTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (39) ◽  
pp. 0-0
Author(s):  
Funda ÖZPULAT ◽  
Nazmi BİLİR
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Healthy Diet ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
School Students ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Healthy Eating Habits

This research was aimed to determine the effect of educational intervention on healthy eating habits and physical activity levels of high school students. The research was conducted in two stages with a total of 800 students from 4 schools between the dates of 25.12.2016 - 31.05.2017. In the first stage, a questionnaire form consisting of 21 questions was applied to all students, and their height and weight measurements were collected. In the second stage, the planned educational intervention was implemented (n = 490) and the height and weight measurements of the students were collected again. The perception of students' body structures changed according to their genders before the intervention (p=.006), however, after the intervention, there was no correlation between the gender of students and their perception of their bodies. In addition, it was determined that the rate of those who stated that they, generally, had a healthy diet after the intervention increased from 38.8% to 52.2%. According to the results obtained from the research conducted, female students, at higher rates, perceive their weight incorrectly than male students. The intervention had little effect on the BMI of the students, while the proportion of those who had a healthy diet, and those who were physically active had increased. Based on the results obtained, it can be said that increasing the number of intervention programs and studies targeting adolescents will be effective in achieving positive results.

scholarly journals Development of an Intervention Targeting Multiple Health Behaviors Among High School Students: Participatory Design Study Using Heuristic Evaluation and Usability Testing (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrika Müssener ◽  
Kristin Thomas ◽  
Catharina Linderoth ◽  
Marie Löf ◽  
Katarina Åsberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Usability Testing ◽  
Heuristic Evaluation ◽  
School Students ◽  
Mhealth Intervention

BACKGROUND Mobile electronic platforms provide exciting possibilities for health behavior promotion. For instance, they can promote smoking cessation, moderate alcohol consumption, healthy eating, and physical activity. Young adults in Sweden are proficient in the use of technology, having been exposed to computers, smartphones, and the internet from an early age. However, with the high availability of mobile health (mHealth) interventions of varying quality, it is critical to optimize the usability of mHealth interventions to ensure long-term use of these health promotion interventions. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the usability of an mHealth intervention (LIFE4YOUth) targeting health behaviors among high school students through heuristic evaluation and usability testing. METHODS A preliminary version of the LIFE4YOUth mHealth intervention, which was aimed at promoting healthy eating, physical activity, smoking cessation, and nonrisky drinking among high school students, was developed in early 2019. We completed a total of 15 heuristic evaluations and 5 usability tests to evaluate the usability of the mHealth intervention prototype to improve its functioning, content, and design. RESULTS Heuristic evaluation from a total of 15 experts (10 employees and 5 university students, both women and men, aged 18-25 years) revealed that the major usability problems and the worst ratings, a total of 17 problems termed <i>usability catastrophes</i>, concerned shortcomings in displaying easy-to-understand information to the users or technical errors. The results of the usability testing including 5 high school students (both girls and boys, aged 15-18 years) showed that the design, quality, and quantity of content in the intervention may impact the users’ level of engagement. Poor functionality was considered a major barrier to usability. Of the 5 participants, one rated the LIFE4YOUth intervention as poor, 2 rated as average, and 2 assessed it as good, according to the System Usability Scale. CONCLUSIONS High school students have high expectations of digital products. If an mHealth intervention does not offer optimal functions, they may cease to use it. Optimizing the usability of mHealth interventions is a critical step in the development process. Heuristic evaluation and usability testing in this study provided valuable knowledge about the prototype from a user’s perspective. The findings may lead to the development of similar interventions targeting the high school population.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional analysis of snacking habits, eating habits, physical activity, and indicators of obesity among high school students in Jakarta, Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (s1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Intan Lisetyaningrum ◽  
Hening Pujasari ◽  
Kuntarti Kuntarti
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Public High School ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Changes in the lifestyle and eating habits of people in large cities in Indonesia have increased the risk of obesity. In Indonesia, the prevalence of obesity in adolescents increased from 1.6% in 2013 to 4.0% in 2018; in Jakarta, it increased from 4.2% in 2013 to 8.3% in 2018. Obesity is closely related to health behavior in adolescence, and it is a risk factor for the occurrence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study aimed to describe the snacking habits, eating habits, physical activity, and indicators of obesity among adolescents in Jakarta. Design and Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design involving 170, 10th–12th grade public high school students in Jakarta Province, recruited using purposive sampling technique. Using standardized instruments, the following surveys were delivered online: The Beverage and Snack Questionnaire, the Eating Habits Questionnaire, and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey Questionnaire (Q78). The Chi-squared test was used to determine the correlation between the study’s variables.Results: The majority of the 170 respondents were female (81.2%). Among the respondents, 11.2% were obese and 6.5% were overweight. Of the 170 respondents 52.4% had the habit of snacking, 64.1% had healthy eating habits, 73.5% engaged in physical activity ≤3 days/week, 79.4% watched TV <3 hours/day, and 61.2% played video games and spent time on computers ≥3 hours/day. The bivariate analysis results showed that there was no significant relationship between snacking habits, eating habits, and physical activity with indicators of obesity (p>0.05).Conclusions: In general, the respondents in our study were found to have a healthy lifestyle, thus helping to prevent the development of an NCD. However, a number of the respondents were overweight and obese.

scholarly journals Physical activity of secondary and performing arts high school students in relation to physical education assessment

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
Živilė Gadliauskaitė ◽  
Asta Igarienė ◽  
Rita Gruodytė-Račienė
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
High Schools ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Performing Arts ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
School Students ◽  
Education Assessment ◽  
Reverse Situation

The aim of this study was to assess whether the way of evaluation in Physical Education (PE) classes (i.e. by a mark or being credited as ‘pass’ or ‘fail’) is associated with physical activity (PA) of high school students, and whether there are differences if students are of secondary or performing arts high school. The study involved 486 students of 9–12th grades from three secondary and three performing arts high schools in one of the biggest cities of Lithuania. Analyzing secondary high school students’ PA, estimated by modified International PA Questionnaire, in relation to assessment system in PE, statistically significant (p<0.01) differences were found only in vigorous PA (VPA), i.e. students, who are assessed by marks in PE, are involved in VPA more frequently than those who are being rated ‘pass’ or ‘fail’. A reverse situation was observed in performing arts high school students: more students, who are being rated ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ in PE, are involved in vigorous and moderate PA more frequently comparing to students who are assessed by a mark. We may conclude that the assessment mode in PE classes may influence PA of schoolchildren, but differently for secondary and performing arts high school students.

scholarly journals Health related behaviours of secondary students living in dormitory in Hungary

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Skerlecz ◽  
B Gulyás ◽  
L Nedeczky ◽  
J Takács ◽  
Z s Rákosy
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
School Students ◽  
Health Consciousness ◽  
Unhealthy Eating ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Lack Of Exercise

Abstract Background Previous studies have shown that unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise are still widespread among high school students. Hungary and many other countries have attempted to introduce campaigns and health education programs among adolescents to promote healthier lifestyle, but the effectiveness of these programs is unclear. Our aim was to investigate the consistency between knowledge and behavior in adolescents. Methods A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted in 9 secondary schools’ student dormitories, involving 163 students. Descriptive statistics were estimated and chi2- test was used to compare the prevalence between groups. Results Of the participants 69.3% reported their health status good, girls and those students who studied in vocational school frequently considered their own health bad (p = 0.002). Almost all of them highlighted the importance of regular physical activity, but 27.7% had low physical activity. Daily consumption of fruit and vegetables seems to be characteristic just half of the students, the structure of their daily snacks consists more in sugar-sweetened snacks (21.7%) and energy dense beverages (22.8%). Students with higher level of health-consciousness rated better their own health status and took exercise more frequently, but the higher level of health-consciousness had not positive effect on the healthy food consumption (p = 0.143). Conclusions Our findings suggest lack of exercise and unhealthy eating habits were still widespread among high school students. The results of the study showed that adolescents have sufficient knowledge about healthy lifestyle, however, it has little impact on their health-related behaviour. Key messages The most important characteristic of an effective health promotion programme is its ability to change behaviour. Health promotion programmes should continue in schools, especially focus on behaviour changing interventions to effectively influence the health of the students.

Methods and Participant Characteristics of a Randomized Intervention to Promote Physical Activity and Healthy Eating Among Brazilian High School Students: The Saude na Boa Project

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus V. Nahas ◽  
Mauro V. G. de Barros ◽  
Maria Alice A. de Assis ◽  
Pedro C. Hallal ◽  
Alex A. Florindo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
School Students ◽  
School Year ◽  
School Based ◽  
Randomized Intervention ◽  
And Control

Background:A cross-cultural, randomized study was proposed to observe the effects of a school-based intervention designed to promote physical activity and healthy eating among high school students in 2 cities from different regions in Brazil: Recife and Florianopolis. The objective of this article is to describe the methodology and subjects enrolled in the project.Methods:Ten schools from each region were matched and randomized into intervention and control conditions. A questionnaire and anthropometry were used to collect data in the first and last month of the 2006 school year. The sample (n = 2155 at baseline; 55.7% females; 49.1% in the experimental group) included students 15 to 24 years, attending nighttime classes. The intervention focused on simple environmental/organizational changes, diet and physical activity education, and personnel training.Results:The central aspects of the intervention have been implemented in all 10 intervention schools. Problems during the intervention included teachers’ strikes in both sites and lack of involvement of the canteen owners in schools.Conclusions:The Saude na Boa study provides evidence that public high schools in Brazil represent an important environment for health promotion. Its design and simple measurements increase the chances of it being sustained and disseminated to similar schools in Brazil.

The Predictive Utility of the Children’s Physical Activity Correlates (CPAC) Scale Across Multiple Grade Levels

2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jodee A. Schaben ◽  
Gregory J. Welk ◽  
Roxane Joens-Matre ◽  
Larry Hensley
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Parental Influence ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
School Students ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity ◽  
School Youth

Understanding physical activity (PA) correlates in youth is challenging due to the inherent changes in activity patterns, activity preferences, and social norms that occur during the normal developmental transition from childhood into adolescence. This study examines possible age-related differences in physical activity correlates using the Children’s Physical Activity Correlates Scale (CPAC). The Children’s Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ) was used to measure typical levels of PA. Results indicate high school youth had lower levels of PA and lower levels on the psychosocial correlates than middle school youth. Parental influence accounted for ~ 15% of the variance in PA while the predisposing factors (perceived competence, attraction to PA) accounted for 20% and 17% of the variance for middle and high school students, respectively. CPAC has similar predictive validity across the age range. The CPAC scale offers potential to help understand factors that influence physical activity behavior during the transition from childhood into adolescence.

scholarly journals Development of an Intervention Targeting Multiple Health Behaviors Among High School Students: Participatory Design Study Using Heuristic Evaluation and Usability Testing

10.2196/17999 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e17999
Author(s):  
Ulrika Müssener ◽  
Kristin Thomas ◽  
Catharina Linderoth ◽  
Marie Löf ◽  
Katarina Åsberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Usability Testing ◽  
Heuristic Evaluation ◽  
School Students ◽  
Mhealth Intervention

Background Mobile electronic platforms provide exciting possibilities for health behavior promotion. For instance, they can promote smoking cessation, moderate alcohol consumption, healthy eating, and physical activity. Young adults in Sweden are proficient in the use of technology, having been exposed to computers, smartphones, and the internet from an early age. However, with the high availability of mobile health (mHealth) interventions of varying quality, it is critical to optimize the usability of mHealth interventions to ensure long-term use of these health promotion interventions. Objective This study aims to investigate the usability of an mHealth intervention (LIFE4YOUth) targeting health behaviors among high school students through heuristic evaluation and usability testing. Methods A preliminary version of the LIFE4YOUth mHealth intervention, which was aimed at promoting healthy eating, physical activity, smoking cessation, and nonrisky drinking among high school students, was developed in early 2019. We completed a total of 15 heuristic evaluations and 5 usability tests to evaluate the usability of the mHealth intervention prototype to improve its functioning, content, and design. Results Heuristic evaluation from a total of 15 experts (10 employees and 5 university students, both women and men, aged 18-25 years) revealed that the major usability problems and the worst ratings, a total of 17 problems termed usability catastrophes, concerned shortcomings in displaying easy-to-understand information to the users or technical errors. The results of the usability testing including 5 high school students (both girls and boys, aged 15-18 years) showed that the design, quality, and quantity of content in the intervention may impact the users’ level of engagement. Poor functionality was considered a major barrier to usability. Of the 5 participants, one rated the LIFE4YOUth intervention as poor, 2 rated as average, and 2 assessed it as good, according to the System Usability Scale. Conclusions High school students have high expectations of digital products. If an mHealth intervention does not offer optimal functions, they may cease to use it. Optimizing the usability of mHealth interventions is a critical step in the development process. Heuristic evaluation and usability testing in this study provided valuable knowledge about the prototype from a user’s perspective. The findings may lead to the development of similar interventions targeting the high school population.

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