Effect of the transition from high school to university on anthropometric and lifestyle variables in malesPresented in part at the Canadian Society for Nutritional Sciences, Canadian Nutrition Congress, held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from 18–21 June 2007.

2009 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison W. Pullman ◽  
Rachel C. Masters ◽  
Lindsay C. Zalot ◽  
Lauren E. Carde ◽  
Michelle M. Saraiva ◽  
...  

The obesity epidemic in North America has focused attention on the health risks of excess weight gain. The transition from high school to university is a critical period for weight gain, commonly referred to as the Freshman 15. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the transition from high school to university on anthropometrics and physical and sedentary activities in males. A total of 108 males completed 3 study visits: the summer prior to first year university, and the ends of the first and second semesters. Outcome measures were body mass, height, body mass index (BMI), body fat, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist:hip ratio, dietary intake, and participation in physical and sedentary activities. Between the summer prior to and the end of first year university, male students experienced a significant weight gain, of 3.0 kg, with significant increases in BMI, body fat, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist:hip ratio. Energy and nutrient intake did not change. Final body mass was significantly predicted by intention for body mass to stay the same, relative to weight loss intention. Fast aerobic physical activity significantly decreased between the summer prior to and the end of first year university, while slow aerobic physical activity, strength training, and flexibility training did not change. Computer and studying time significantly increased, while television time and hours of nightly sleep significantly decreased between the summer prior to and the end of first year university. Weekly alcoholic drinks and binge drinking frequency significantly increased over this time period. In conclusion, between the summer prior to and the end of first year university, male students gained an average of 3.0 kg, with increases in related anthropometrics. These changes may be due to body mass change intention and (or) the observed decreased physical and increased sedentary activities, but appear to be unrelated to dietary intake.

2013 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-90
Author(s):  
Robert Podstawski ◽  
Elżbieta Wesołowska ◽  
Renata Gizińska ◽  
Andrzej Sołoma

Despite the growing interest in health and the abundance of health-promoting programs and campaigns, there is a noticeable lack of such undertakings at colleges and universities. This is worrisome, considering the fact that the first-year of studies is the last phase of education in which it is possible to promote and establish a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the health attitudes and behaviours of first-year university students. A total of 700 first-year male students aged 19-20 attending the University of Warmia & Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland) took part in the study by filling out anonymous questionnaires concerning health behaviours and attitudes regarding physical activity, nutrition, tobacco and alcohol use, stress and pro-health activities. The results indicate that physical activity of the respondents was limited to participation in the obligatory physical education classes during high school and while at university. Moreover, the students were concerned more about personal hygiene and appearance than physical fitness and proper nutrition. The majority of them did not have a regular schedule of meals and did not take vitamin supplements. The percentage of respondents who declared drinking alcohol regularly (once a week) and even every day is quite worrisome. One out of ten students reported losing consciousness multiple times as a result of binge drinking and over a third blacked out at least once during the first few months of their studies. Although only a small margin of the students surveyed can be considered to be addicted to smoking, nearly half of them admitted to smoking occasionally. Although a significant portion of students expressed a fear in stress generating situations during their studies, the majority possessed a very limited knowledge of stress coping methods. The research results indicate a clear need to implement adequate health promoting programs at the university level of education to help counteract the observed negative tendencies. Key words: university male students, health attitudes and habits, physical activity, nutrition, tobacco/alcohol use, stress, pro-health activities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-60
Author(s):  
Oliver W. A. Wilson ◽  
Simon R. Walters ◽  
Michael E. Naylor ◽  
Jenny C. Clarke

The considerable changes in physical activity (PA) during the transition to university are likely associated with changes in PA constraints during this transition. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in PA and associated constraints among first-year university students during the transition to university. Data concerning sociodemographic characteristics, PA behaviors, and changes in PA and constraints were collected from 121 first-year New Zealand university students via an online survey. Data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Findings revealed that following the transition, PA declined significantly, that PA participation patterns/trends had changed (from team/group sports to individual activities and to less competitive and/or more social activities), and that changes in constraints (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and time management) may have influenced changes. Findings shed light on how changes in constraints potentially influence PA following the transition and provide evidence to inform the development of policies and interventions to promote student PA.


2008 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. S464
Author(s):  
Bong-Seok Kim ◽  
H.L. Jung ◽  
S.W. Hong ◽  
Y.S. Kang ◽  
G.L. Lee ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shimelis Mazengia

This study attempts to identify aspects of the orthography of Hadiyyisa (one of the Highland East Cushitic languages) that need to be improved and to suggest possible solutions to this. Accordingly, a short Hadiyyisa paragraph was dictated to and was written by randomly selected elementary, high school and first-year university students. The results showed that the students had a problem of distinguishing phonological quantity, that is, between simplex and geminate consonants as well as between short and long vowels. Consequently, representing geminates and long vowels as simple segments occurred frequently. Some aspects of orthographic inconvenience which require adjustments were encountered and solutions were suggested from the perspectives of regularity and economy. Yet another constraint was suggested in relation to the transferability of incompatible knowledge of Hadiyyisa to English. The performance of female students, especially at high school and university levels, was found to be lower than that of the male students and the study suggests that this needs to be further investigated.


Author(s):  
Jeanette Parsons ◽  
Mary Ann McColl ◽  
Andrea K. Martin ◽  
David W. Rynard

Despite growing enrollment of university students with disabilities, they have not achieved academic parity with their non-disabled peers. This study matched 71 first-year university students with disabilities and students without disabilities on three variables: high school average when admitted to university, gender, and program of study. Both groups of students were compared on three measures of academic performance: GPA, failed courses, and dropped courses after first year of university. The relationship between accommodations and academic performance was also analyzed for students with disabilities. Evenwhen matched on admission average, gender, and program of study, students with disabilities had a significantly lower GPA and were more likely to fail courses in their first year than their peers without disabilities. While note-taking in the classroom was associated with being less likely to drop a course, it was also associated with poorer academic performance, as was using a calculator or alternate format during exams. The more accommodations students lost in the transition from high school, the worse they performed academically at university. Students who lost human assistant support in the classroom and theuse of a computer or a memory aid during exams had a significantly lower GPA and were more likely to fail courses in their first year of university compared with students who did not lose these accommodations. These findings have implications for accessibility offices and universities in supporting the access needs and academic success of students with disabilities.


2010 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilla N. De Gaspari ◽  
Carlos A.M. Guerreiro

Antiepileptic drugs (AED) may cause body weight changes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dietary habits and body weight associated with AED in epileptic patients. METHOD: Sixty-six patients were subjected to two interviews, and had their weight and body mass index calculated and compared at both times, interval between six to eight months. RESULTS: It was observed that 59.1% showed weight gain. The patients who had no weight gain had a greater proportion of individuals who engaged in some form of physical activity. However, of the 45 patients who maintained their initial dietary and medication pattern, 75.6% recorded a weight gain. Weight gain was seen in 66.7% of patients on carbamazepine (n=18), 60% on valproate (n=5), 50% on carbamazepine+clobazam treatment (n=14), and 58.3% of patients on other(s) polytherapy (n=12). CONCLUSION: The patient should be alerted to possible weight gain, and should be advised about dieting and participating in regular physical activity.


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