scholarly journals Multi-Stakeholder Perspectives of Factors That Influence Contact Centre Call Agents’ Workplace Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 1484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail Morris ◽  
Rebecca Murphy ◽  
Sam Shepherd ◽  
Lee Graves
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Team Leaders ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Contact Centre ◽  
Working Practices ◽  
The Impact

Contact centre call agents are highly sedentary at work, which can negatively affect cardio-metabolic health. This qualitative cross-sectional study explored factors influencing call agents’ workplace physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB), and perspectives on strategies to help agents move more and sit less at work. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with call agents (n = 20), team leaders (n = 11) and senior staff (n = 12) across four contact centres were guided by the socio-ecological model and analysed thematically. Agents offered insights into the impact of high occupational sitting and low PA on their physical and mental health, and factors influencing their motivation to move more and sit less at work. Team leaders, although pivotal in influencing behaviours, identified their own workload, and agents’ requirement to meet targets, as factors influencing their ability to promote agents to move more and sit less at work. Further, senior team leaders offered a broad organisational perspective on influential factors, including business needs and the importance of return on investment from PA and SB interventions. Unique factors, including continuous monitoring of productivity metrics and personal time, a physical connection to their workstation, and low autonomy over their working practices, seemed to limit call agents’ opportunity to move more and sit less at work. Proposed strategies included acknowledgement of PA and SB within policy and job roles, height-adjustable workstations, education and training sessions and greater interpersonal support. Additionally, measuring the impact of interventions was perceived to be key for developing a business case and enhancing organisational buy-in. Multi-level interventions embedded into current working practices appear important for the multiple stakeholders, while addressing concerns regarding productivity.

scholarly journals The Influential Factors in Burnout in the Healthcare Staff in Kermanshah, Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mostafa Jafari ◽  
Sorya Karimi ◽  
Leila Rahmani ◽  
Farshad Nadri ◽  
Mansour Rezaei
Keyword(s):  
Stress Management ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Professional Status ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Financial Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Living Situation ◽  
The Impact

Background: Burnout plays a key role in the life and physical and mental health of individuals and may reduce the efficiency and motivation of healthcare staff. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the influential factors in burnout in the healthcare staff of Kermanshah, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the healthcare staff in Kermanshah in 2019. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Maslach burnout inventory (Cronbach's alpha: 0.78). The participants were selected via census sampling (n = 282). Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 22 using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman’s correlation-coefficient. Results: Significant correlations were observed between emotional fatigue, disease history (P = 0.006), and financial problems (P = 0.05), as well as between depersonalization and financial difficulties (P = 0.024) and between personal adequacy and family disease history (P = 0.015). However, no significant associations between burnout and gender, educational level, professional status, marital status and living situation were shown. Conclusions: Considering the high prevalence of burnout in the healthcare staff with a disease history in themselves and their families and the association between burnout and financial problems, special attention should be paid to the health status of healthcare status through measures such as stress management and counseling to diminish occupational stress and the impact of burnout on these employees. In addition, measures such as the implementation of leisure and educational programs and stress management workshops are recommended.

scholarly journals AB0662 IMPACT OF THE SARS-CoV-2 PANDEMIC IN A POPULATION OF PATIENTS FOLLOWED IN A RHEUMATOLOGY DEPARTMENT

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1363.2-1363
Author(s):  
S. Lahrichi ◽  
K. Nassar ◽  
S. Janani
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
To Come ◽  
Health Situation ◽  
Impaired Sleep ◽  
The Impact

Background:The COVID-19 pandemic had various impacts onpatients’ realities. It had many physical but also psychological repercussions. It led to the onset of general stress, anxiety and depression affecting different age groups. In this study, we report the frequency of anxiety in patients followed in the department of rheumatology during the COVID-19 outbreak.Objectives:To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in patients followed for inflammatory rheumatic disorders (IRD) or degenerative diseases in the Department of Rheumatology during the period of breakdown and health restrictions.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the department of rheumatology over a 5-month period from August 2020 to December 2020.Included patients were followed for IRD or degenerative pathology in the department. A pre-established questionnaire collected the symptoms and results of COVID-19 tests, the possible deterioration of the general condition since breakdown, as well as the increase of the disease activity of the rheumatism, pain, fatigue, anxiety, and the onset of signs of depression or sleep disturbances.The impact of the decrease in physical activity and the cessation of basic treatments of rheumatism with the different causes was also collected.Results:159 patients were included: 27 with Rheumatoid arthritis, 58 with Spondyloarthropathies, 32 with chondrocalcinosis, 9 with gouty arthropathies, and 33 with osteoarthritis. Of these, 15% had symptoms consistent with COVID-19. 25 patients performed the PCR test, of which 17 were positive and only 3 required hospitalization.None were put on oxygen. 32% reported a worsening of their rheumatism since the beginning of the epidemic, of which 35.9% reported increased pain and 21 noted a decrease in physical activity. 27.1% felt more stressed and irritated, and 14% felt more depressed. 54% had more sleepdisturbance, 22.2% had more fatigue compared to their state before the epidemic. 41.2% were afraid to come for consultation or hospitalization. 11.8% had stopped the basic treatment of their rheumatism, either for a shortage of the product in the pharmacy, or for the inability to obtain a travel authorization from the authoritiesConclusion:The physical and mental impact of the COVID-19pandemic affected approximately one-third of our population. Patients described worsening rheumatism and pain, as well as impaired sleep, fatigue and anxiety[1].Decreased physical activity was associated with increased rheumatism activity and pain. More than 50% of the patients presented a deterioration in their physical and mental health linked to the health situation[2]. Our results are consistent with the literature. It is classically admitted that rheumatic pathologiesare disabling and therefore lead to a withdrawal into oneself, generating an anxious state. It is essential to assess the psychological status of patients followed for rheumatism in order to develop preventive treatments and prevent its worsening linked to the impact of the pandemic[3].References:[1]ChenN,ZhouM,DongX,etal.Epidemiologicalandclinicalcharacteristicsof99casesof2019novelcoronaviruspneumoniainWuhan,China:adescriptivestudy.Lancet2020;395:50713[2]GuanWJ,NiZY,HuY,etal.Clinicalcharacteristicsofcoronavirusdisease2019inChina.NEnglJMed2020,http://dx.doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2002032[3]HuangC,WangY,LiX,etal.Clinicalfeaturesofpatientsinfectedwith2019novelcoronavirusinWuhan,China.Lancet2020;395:497–5064Disclosure of Interests:None declared.

scholarly journals Physical Activity in High School Classrooms: A Promising Avenue for Future Research

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 688
Author(s):  
Barbara Fenesi ◽  
Jeffrey D. Graham ◽  
Madeline Crichton ◽  
Michelle Ogrodnik ◽  
Jasmyn Skinner
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Sensitive Period ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
High School Classrooms ◽  
The Impact

Adolescence represents a sensitive period whereby lifestyle factors such as physical activity can have profound, long-lasting effects on development and later life habits. However, adolescence constitutes a period of frequent sedentary behaviour. Among children, integrating physical activity into elementary school classrooms has been shown to reduce sedentary behaviour and improve academic achievement and overall physical and mental health. However, this promising area of research has not extended to adolescents and high school classrooms. In this paper, we describe the benefits of conducting research on the impact of physically active high school classrooms, and highlight the challenges and potential misconceptions associated with research in this field. Specifically, we review research on the role of physical activity in adolescent development, the benefits of classroom-based physical activity for children, and discuss the factors that may have led researchers to focus on classroom-based physical activity primarily for children, despite the potentially similar benefits for adolescents.

scholarly journals The Impact of Schoolyard Greening on Children’s Physical Activity and Socioemotional Health: A Systematic Review of Experimental Studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 535
Author(s):  
Jean C. Bikomeye ◽  
Joanna Balza ◽  
Kirsten M. Beyer
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Residential Neighborhood ◽  
Socioemotional Health ◽  
The Impact

Access to green schoolyards (schoolyards designed with greenery and natural elements to create a park-like environment, as opposed to asphalt-based playgrounds) are associated with many benefits for students, including improvements in physical and mental health. While many studies examining these associations are cross-sectional, some feature experimental designs that offer the possibility of causal inference. In this review, we looked at experimental studies that examine the impact of schoolyard greening on measures of physical activity and socioemotional health in children. Four electronic databases (Ovid Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus and Greenfile) were searched, and from 1843 articles retrieved, 6 articles met the inclusion criteria. Examination of the eligible studies revealed a general consensus on the positive impact of schoolyard greening on both physical activity and socioemotional health outcomes for students, suggesting that schoolyard greening is a viable intervention in reducing the health equity gaps and improving children’s health regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds or residential neighborhood socioeconomic status. Further experimental research on this topic should elucidate how educators, administrators, policy makers, and other stakeholders can harness the benefits of schoolyard greening to improve the health and well-being of children in their communities.

scholarly journals Changes in Consumers’ Food Practices during the COVID-19 Lockdown, Implications for Diet Quality and the Food System: A Cross-Continental Comparison

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Blain Murphy ◽  
Tony Benson ◽  
Amanda McCloat ◽  
Elaine Mooney ◽  
Chris Elliott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diet Quality ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Food System ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Practices ◽  
The Impact

COVID-19 has led to dramatic societal changes. Differing movement restrictions across countries have affected changes in consumers’ food practices, with a potentially detrimental impact on their health and food systems. To investigate this, this research explored changes in consumers’ food practices during the initial COVID-19 phase and assessed the impact of location on these changes. A sample of 2360 adults from three continents (Island of Ireland (IOI), Great Britain (GB), United States (USA), and New Zealand (NZ)) were recruited for a cross-sectional online survey (May–June 2020). Participants completed questions in relation to their cooking and food practices, diet quality, and COVID-19 food-related practices. Significant changes in consumers’ food practices during the pandemic were seen within and between regions, with fewer cooking practices changes found in the USA. Food practices, which may put added pressure on the food system, such as bulk buying, were seen across all regions. To prevent this, organisational food practices, including planning ahead, should be emphasized. Additionally, while positive cooking-related practices and increases in fruit and vegetable intake were found, an increase in saturated fat intake was also seen. With the additional pressure on individuals’ physical and mental health, the essentiality of maintaining a balanced diet should be promoted.

scholarly journals How is the COVID-19 lockdown impacting the mental health of parents of school-age children in the UK? A cross-sectional online survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e043397
Author(s):  
Austen El-Osta ◽  
Aos Alaa ◽  
Iman Webber ◽  
Eva Riboli Sasco ◽  
Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveInvestigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on feelings of loneliness and social isolation in parents of school-age children.DesignCross-sectional online survey of parents of primary and secondary school-age children.SettingCommunity setting.Participants1214 parents of school-age children in the UK.MethodsAn online survey explored the impact of lockdown on the mental health of parents with school-age children, and in particular about feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Associations between the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UCLATILS), the Direct Measure of Loneliness (DMOL) and the characteristics of the study participants were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported measures of social isolation and loneliness using UCLATILS and DMOL.ResultsHalf of respondents felt they lacked companionship, 45% had feelings of being left out, 58% felt isolated and 46% felt lonely during the first 100 days of lockdown. The factors that were associated with higher levels of loneliness on UCLATILS were female gender, parenting a child with special needs, lack of a dedicated space for distance learning, disruption of sleep patterns and low levels of physical activity during the lockdown. Factors associated with a higher DMOL were female gender, single parenting, parenting a child with special needs, unemployment, low physical activity, lack of a dedicated study space and disruption of sleep patterns during the lockdown.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown has increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness among parents of school-age children. The sustained adoption of two modifiable health-seeking lifestyle behaviours (increased levels of physical activity and the maintenance of good sleep hygiene practices) wmay help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

Revisiting the Factors Influencing Teaching Choice Framework: Exploring What Fits with Virtual Teaching

2021 ◽  
pp. 097215092110153
Author(s):  
Sudhir Rana ◽  
Amit Kumar Singh ◽  
Shubham Singhania ◽  
Shubhangi Verma ◽  
Moon Moon Haque
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Business Management ◽  
Teaching Efficacy ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Virtual Teaching

The present study revisits the Factors Influencing Teaching Choice (FIT-Choice) framework and explores what motivates business management academicians in teaching virtually. The revisit is based on a quantitative cross-sectional research design using 256 responses collected from in-service business management academicians teaching post-graduate business courses in India, through a structured questionnaire. The exercise of revisiting the FIT-Choice framework in the context of virtual teaching in business management courses led us to find four new variables, that is, task demand and expert career, teaching efficacy, knowledge assimilation and institutional utility value, as well as suggest revising teaching and learning experience, task returns and values. The results reveal that some additional factors motivating business academicians are teaching efficacy, content expertise, learning of new technology, futuristic growth and opportunities, alternative career opportunities and personal branding. The study provides suggestions to the apex bodies, regulators of higher education and institutions to take a call on motivational and influential factors while drafting the job requirements in business schools. Finally, the study emphasizes the importance of infrastructural and technological development required to be achieved by higher education institutions.

scholarly journals Perceived anxiety and physical activity behaviour changes during the early stages of COVID-19 restrictions in community-dwelling adults in Canada: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e050550
Author(s):  
Gavin R McCormack ◽  
Patricia K Doyle-Baker ◽  
Jennie A Petersen ◽  
Dalia Ghoneim
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
High Anxiety ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic changed daily routines, including physical activity, which could influence physical and mental health. In our study, we describe physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns in relation to the pandemic and estimate associations between anxiety and physical activity and sedentary behaviour in community-dwelling adults.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingCalgary, Alberta, Canada.ParticipantsBetween April and June 2020, a random sample of 1124 adults (≥18 years) completed an online questionnaire.Primary and secondary outcomesThe online questionnaire captured current walking, moderate intensity, vigorous intensity and total physical activity and sedentary behaviour (ie, sitting and leisure-based screen time), perceived relative changes in physical activity, sedentary and social behaviours since the pandemic, perceived seriousness and anxiety related to COVID-19, and sociodemographic characteristics. Differences in sociodemographic characteristics, perceived relative change in behaviour and current physical activity and sedentary behaviour were compared between adults with low and high anxiety.ResultsOur sample (n=1047) included more females (60.3%) and fewer older adults (19.2%). Most participants (88.4%) considered COVID-19 as extremely or very serious and one-third (32.9%) felt extremely or very anxious. We found no differences (p>0.05) in current physical activity or sedentary behaviour by anxiety level. The largest perceived change in behaviours included social distancing, driving motor vehicles, use of screen-based devices, watching television and interactions with neighbours. We found anxiety-related differences (p<0.05) in perceived changes in various behaviours.ConclusionsChanges in physical activity, sedentary behaviour and social behaviour occurred soon after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, and some of these changes differed among those with low and high anxiety.

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

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.

Impact of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator on confidence to undertake physical activity in inherited heart disease: A cross-sectional study

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 742-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Sweeting ◽  
Kylie Ball ◽  
Julie McGaughran ◽  
John Atherton ◽  
Christopher Semsarian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Accelerometer Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Cardioverter Defibrillator ◽  
The Impact

Background: Physical activity is associated with improved quality of life. Patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) face unique clinical and psychological challenges. Factors such as fear of ICD shock may negatively impact on physical activity, while a sense of protection gained from the ICD may instil confidence to be active. Aim: We aimed to examine the impact of an ICD on physical activity levels and factors associated with amount of activity. Methods: Two cross-sectional studies were conducted. Accelerometer data (seven-day) was collected in March–November 2015 for 63 consecutively recruited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients, with or without an ICD, aged ⩾18 years. A survey study was conducted in July–August 2016 of 155 individuals aged ⩾18 years with an inherited heart disease and an ICD in situ. Results: Based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, mean leisure time physical activity was 239 ± 300 min/week with 51% meeting physical activity guidelines. Accelerometry showed that mean moderate–vigorous physical activity was the same for patients with and without an ICD (254 ± 139 min/week versus 300 ± 150 min/week, p=0.23). Nearly half of survey participants ( n=73) said their device made them more confident to exercise. Being anxious about ICD shocks was the only factor associated with not meeting physical activity guidelines. Conclusions: Patients with inherited heart disease adjust differently to their ICD device, and for many it has no impact on physical activity. Discussion regarding the appropriate level of physical activity and potential barriers will ensure best possible outcomes in this unique patient group.

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