scholarly journals Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Job Activity, Dietary Behaviours and Physical Activity Habits of University Population of Naples, Federico II-Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1502
Author(s):  
Mariarita Brancaccio ◽  
Cristina Mennitti ◽  
Alessandro Gentile ◽  
Luca Correale ◽  
Cosme Franklim Buzzachera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Male Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work From Home ◽  
Dietary Behaviours ◽  
New Variant ◽  
University Population ◽  
The University

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a large family of respiratory viruses that can cause mild to moderate illness. The new variant COVID-19 has started to spread rapidly since December 2019, posing a new threat to global health. To counter the spread of the virus, the Italian government forced the population to close all activities starting from 9 March 2020 to 4 May 2020. In this scenario, we conducted a cross-sectional study on a heterogeneous sample (average age of 28 ± 12 years, 62.6% females) of the University of Naples Federico II (Italy). The aim of the study was to describe the lifestyle change in the university population during quarantine for the COVID 19 pandemic. Participants compiled an online survey consisting of 3 sections: socio-demographic data, dietary behaviours, physical activity habits and psychological aspects. The different results by gender are: 90.8% of females continued to work from home (81.9% were students); 34.8% increased their physical activity; and, only 0.8% prefer ready meals. Whereas, the same percentage of men continued to work from home (90%), but only 72.1% were students (p < 0.001 vs. females), only 23.9% increased physical activity (p < 0.001) and 1.7% favous ready meals. Our data shows that the male population was more affected by isolation and quarantine reporting more unfavourable behavioural changes.

scholarly journals Longer, More Active Commute, but Still not Very Active: Five-Year Physical Activity and Travel Behavior Change in a University Population

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (13) ◽  
pp. 2420
Author(s):  
Lina Engelen ◽  
Erika Bohn-Goldbaum ◽  
Melanie Crane ◽  
Martin Mackey ◽  
Chris Rissel
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Travel Behavior ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Active Travel ◽  
Physical Activity Monitoring ◽  
University Population ◽  
The University ◽  
Active Commute ◽  
Insight Into

Active travel can support the achievement of recommended levels of physical activity. Monitoring travel behavior of university students and staff provides a useful insight into patterns of regional travel and population level changes in physical activity. This study sought to evaluate current travel and physical activity behaviors in a university population and to determine whether these changed over time. An online survey of travel behavior and physical activity was conducted at the University of Sydney, Australia. The survey was actively promoted for three weeks prior to the release of the survey among staff and students, which asked about travel behavior on a specific day in September 2017. The survey questions were the same as those used in a similar online survey conducted across the University in 2012. In total, 4359 People completed the survey, representing 10.8% of staff and 4.1% of students. Approximately two thirds of survey respondents were students, in both the 2012 and 2017 surveys. Compared with 2012, there was an increase in active travel to the University in 2017 from increased walking and train travel. Compared to 2012, in 2017 there was an increase in average minutes walked by about nine minutes, and less time spent sitting. Trip lengths increased, with 68% of trips taking longer than 30 min in 2017. The amount of time spent in low–moderate levels physical activity increased between 2012 and 2017, potentially related to active travel behavior. Citywide changes towards a system-wide transport fare structure was the biggest change in the transport environment between the two surveys and may have contributed to increased train travel.

Pattern of Facebook Usage and its Impacts on Physical Activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-60
Author(s):  
Muhammad Adnan ◽  
Faisal Mehmood ◽  
Bilal Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Independent Variable ◽  
Convenience Sampling ◽  
Facebook Usage ◽  
The University ◽  
The Relationship

Objectives:  The study was to find out the relationship between Facebook usage and participation in physical activities. Methods: During the year 2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 identified students from 5000 in the faculty of Allied Health Science at the University of Lahore, Pakistan. According to this survey use the technique of convenience sampling, after the formula of sampling by Yamane (1967). All of the questioners of the independent and the dependent variable are used for the measure Facebook addiction of the participation in physical activity. Results: Demographic data male participation 134 (53.6%) and 116 (46%) females in this study. The relationship among variables is .11, which is significant at p> .001. This result shows that there is a greater than a 0.1% chance that the independent variable (F.B) affects participation in the physical activity. The study reveals the limited benefits excessive use of Facebook is a little effect on participation in physical activity. Conclusion: As per this result, the limited benefits excessive use of Facebook is a little effect on participation in physical activity; another aspect may be an effect on the participation on the physical activity like social, educational, behavioral and economic, etc.

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.

scholarly journals Visual Acuity’s Association With Levels of Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark W. Swanson ◽  
Eric Bodner ◽  
Patricia Sawyer ◽  
Richard M. Allman
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
University Of Alabama ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The University

Little is known about the effect of reduced vision on physical activity in older adults. This study evaluates the association of visual acuity level, self-reported vision, and ocular disease conditions with leisure-time physical activity and calculated caloric expenditure. A cross-sectional study of 911 subjects 65 yr and older from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging (SOA) cohort was conducted evaluating the association of vision-related variables to weekly kilocalorie expenditure calculated from the 17-item Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. Ordinal logistic regression was used to evaluate possible associations while controlling for potential confounders. In multivariate analyses, each lower step in visual acuity below 20/50 was significantly associated with reduced odds of having a higher level of physical activity, OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67, 0.97. Reduced visual acuity appears to be independently associated with lower levels of physical activity among community-dwelling adults.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards vaccination: a survey of university students in Europe

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Callegaro ◽  
L Chinenye Ilogu ◽  
O Lugovska ◽  
S Mazzilli ◽  
A Prugnola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Level ◽  
Coverage Rates ◽  
The University ◽  
Vaccination Knowledge

Abstract Background Immunisation programs are still facing substantial challenges in achieving target coverage rates. This has been attributed to the growing negative individual vaccination attitudes and behaviours. Most of the current studies assessing vaccination knowledge, attitude and beliefs targets adults. However, young people represent future parents and health care professionals. The objective of this study was to investigate vaccination knowledge attitudes and behaviours among university medical and non-medical students in Europe. Methods We performed a cross-sectional online survey between April and July 2018. The study participants were students attending different faculties at the University of Antwerp, Belgium and the University of Pisa, Italy. We described sample characteristics. The effect of risk factors was tested with univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Results A total of 2079 participants completed the survey including 873 medical students and 1206 from other faculties. The average of vaccination knowledge, attitudes, and confidence was respectively 5.51 (SD: 1.41), 4.66 (SD: 0.14) and 5.28 (SD: 0.57) on the 6-points scale. Our respondents demonstrated a high level of awareness with respect to their vaccination history. In total, 67.7% (n = 1407) reported to have received at least one vaccine in the previous five years; only 6.0% (n = 35) did not receive any vaccine in the previous 10 years. According to logistic regression analysis Italian students had significantly higher knowledge, attitude and confidence scores than Belgium respondents. Students of medicine scored significantly higher compared to non-medical students. Conclusions In order to reduce the gaps in vaccinations knowledge between non-medical and medical students we should plan educational interventions. In this way the number of future sceptical parents could be decreased. Further studies are required to explain the differences between countries. Key messages Young adults are the parents and the health care professionals of the future, for this reason their vaccination knowledge attitudes and behaviours should be carefully monitored. European non-medical students have lower vaccinations knowledge, attitudes and confidence compared with medical student. In order to fill these gaps, we should plan educational interventions.

scholarly journals Experiences of Australian podiatrists working through the 2020 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: an online survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cylie M. Williams ◽  
Anna Couch ◽  
Terry Haines ◽  
Hylton B. Menz
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Medical Officer ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Business Decisions ◽  
Working Through ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background On the 19th of January, 2020, the Chief Medical Officer of Australia issued a statement about a novel coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2. Since this date, there have been variable jurisdictional responses, including lockdowns, and restrictions on podiatry practice. This study aimed to describe impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the podiatry profession in Australia. Methods This was a cross sectional study of Australian podiatrists using demographic data collected between 2017 and 2020, and pandemic-related question responses collected between 30th March and 31st August, 2020. Data were collected online and participants described their work settings, patient funding types, business decisions and impacts, and information sources used to guide practice decisions during this time-period. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse open-ended questions about their practice impact of SARS-CoV-2. Results There were 732 survey responses, with 465 Australian podiatrists or podiatric surgeons providing responses describing pandemic impact. From these responses, 223 (49% of 453) podiatrists reported no supply issues, or having adequate supplies for the foreseeable future with personal protective equipment (PPE) or consumables to support effective infection prevention and control. The most frequent responses about employment, or hours of work, impact were reported in the various categories of “business as usual” (n = 312, 67%). Participants described most frequently using the local state and territory Department of Health websites (n = 347, 75%), and the Australian Podiatry Association (n = 334, 72%) to make decisions about their business. Overarching themes which resounded through open-ended comments was that working through the pandemic was likened to a marathon, and not a sprint. Themes were: (i) commitment to do this, (ii) it’s all in the plan, but not everything goes to plan, (iii) my support team must be part of getting through it, (iv) road blocks happen, and (v) nothing is easy, what’s next? Conclusion Podiatrists in Australia reported variable pandemic impact on their business decisions, PPE stores, and their valued sources of information. Podiatrists also described their “marathon” journey through the pandemic to date, with quotes describing their challenges and highlights. Describing these experiences should provide key learnings for future workforce challenges, should further restrictions come into place.

scholarly journals Comparative physical activity as a global question to assess physical activity among university students

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina Diehl ◽  
Alessia Brassat ◽  
Jennifer Hilger-Kolb
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
University Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Group Level ◽  
Comparative Measurement ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Comparative Optimism ◽  
Individual Assessment ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background To assess physical activity (PA), a comparative measurement – evaluating one’s own PA compared to others – may be an appropriate method. In previous studies, the use of comparative measurements led to an effect known as unrealistic comparative optimism (UCO) – people being unrealistically optimistic about their behavior. Our aim was to use this comparative measurement in university students to quantify the prevalence of UCO at the group level and to draw conclusions on its validity. Methods We used data from the Nutrition and Physical Activity in Adolescence Study (NuPhA), a cross-sectional online survey that included only self-reports (n = 689). To assess PA among students, they were asked to rate their PA level compared to that of their same-aged fellow students. In addition, we used the Godin-Shephard leisure-time PA questionnaire and other questions on PA for comparisons. We used bivariate and cluster-based analyses to identify potential UCO. Results We found that UCO at the group level led to an uneven distribution, with a higher proportion of students who rated themselves as being more physically active than average. However, the individual assessment of PA with a single and simple comparative question seemed to be valid. Discussion A global single comparative question seems useful for studies where PA is measured as a covariate in university students.

Effect of Confinement by COVID-19 on the Lifestyle of the University Population of Argentina: Evaluation of Physical Activity, Food and Sleep (Efecto del confinamiento por COVID-19 sobre el estilo de vida en población universitaria de Argentina: Evaluaci

Retos ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 274-282
Author(s):  
Leonardo Intelangelo ◽  
Nacim Molina Gutiérrez ◽  
Nicolás Bevacqua ◽  
Cristian Mendoza ◽  
Iris Paola Guzmán-Guzmán ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Good Nutrition ◽  
University Population

Objective: to determine lifestyle changes, such as physical activity, nutrition, and sleep in an Argentinean university population, caused by confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional study via web survey. 1021 the Argentinean university population (women, n = 645 and men, n = 376) aged between 18–70 years old was participate. Survey was utilized to measure participant physical activity behavior, nutrition, and sleep April to May 2020. Results: the main findings revealed that 4.3% of the sample showed obesity; the highest proportion of the sample stayed more than 6 hours in a sedentary status; 21.74% reported bad sleep quality; a reduction in good feeding pattern; and an increase in subjects who do not perform physical activity. According to socio-demographic and anthropometric factors, being a student (OR 2.19, CI95% 1.18 - 4, p= .012), overweight (OR 1.71, CI95% 1.19 – 2.44, p= .003), obesity (OR 4.45, CI95% 2.27 – 8.7, p< .001), and have been confined more than 45 days was associated with bad feeding. Likewise, low physical activity levels were associated with obesity (OR 3.2 CI95% 1.66 – 6.18, p= .001), being female (OR 1.61, CI95% 1.14 –2.28, p= .006) and get married (OR 1.72, CI95% 1.14 – 2.61, p= .009). Moreover, being a student was associated with poor sleep quality (OR 43.6, CI95%5.4 – 350, p< .001). Conclusion: This study suggests that confinement decreased healthy living habits such as good nutrition and physical activity and affected the quality of sleep in young subjects.  Resumen. Objetivo: determinar los cambios en el estilo de vida, como la actividad física, la nutrición y el sueño en una población universitaria argentina, causados por el confinamiento durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio transversal mediante encuesta por Internet. Participaron 1021 personas de la población universitaria argentina (mujeres, n = 645 y hombres, n = 376) de entre 18 y 70 años de edad. La encuesta fue utilizada para medir el comportamiento de la actividad física, la nutrición y el sueño de los participantes de abril a mayo de 2020.Resultados: los principales hallazgos mostraron que el 4,3% de la muestra presentaba obesidad; la mayor proporción de la muestra permaneció más de 6 horas en estado sedentario; el 21,74% informó sobre la mala calidad del sueño; una reducción de los hábitos correctos de alimentación; y un aumento de los participantes que no realizan actividad física. De acuerdo con factores socio-demográficos y antropométricos, ser estudiante (OR 2.19, CI95% 1.18 - 4, p= .012), el sobrepeso (OR 1.71, CI95% 1.19 - 2.44, p= .003), la obesidad (OR 4.45, CI95% 2.27 - 8.7, p< .001), y haber estado confinado más de 45 días se asoció con una mala alimentación. Asimismo, los bajos niveles de actividad física se asociaron con la obesidad (OR 3,2; IC95% 1,66 - 6,18, p= .001), ser mujer (OR 1,61; IC95% 1,14 -2,28, p= .006) y estar casado (OR 1,72; IC95% 1,14 - 2,61, p= .009). Además, ser estudiante se asoció con una mala calidad de sueño (OR 43,6, CI95% 5,4 - 350, p< .001). Conclusión: Este estudio sugiere que el confinamiento disminuyó los hábitos de vida saludables como la buena nutrición, la actividad física, y afectó la calidad del sueño en sujetos jóvenes.

Relationship among Breastfeeding Exposure, Knowledge, and Attitudes in Collegiate Males Residing in East Texas

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 782-789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Heathman ◽  
Crystal Clark Douglas ◽  
Simone P. Camel
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Male Partner ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Stepwise Multiple Regression ◽  
Attitude Score ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Male Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Displays ◽  
Attitudes And Knowledge

Background: Researchers exploring breastfeeding attitudes and knowledge among women suggest the decision to breastfeed is influenced by the male partner, yet few studies address males. Because collegiate males will soon enter fatherhood, assessment of their attitudes and knowledge may inform interventions aimed at increasing intention to breastfeed. Research aim: This study aimed to describe collegiate males’ exposure to, attitude toward, and knowledge about breastfeeding. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was used with males ≥ 18 years of age enrolled at a Texas public university. Attitude indices measured included social limitations, public displays of breastfeeding, and employer accommodations. Descriptive statistics, correlational and regression analyses were employed. Results: The participants’ ( N = 949) average age was 25.48 years; > 80% reported not being fathers. Exposure to breastfeeding was high; > 80% witnessed breastfeeding and/or had someone close breastfeed. High attitude scores indicated social acceptability of breastfeeding. Knowledge appeared limited: only 16% identified the recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; > 50% overlooked the reduced risk for overweight/obesity, ear infections, diarrhea, or food allergies. Correlations between knowledge, exposure, total attitude, and index scores were positive ( p < .01) except for the public displays index. Stepwise multiple regression determined that breastfeeding exposure, knowledge scores, and father’s educational level predicted total attitude score, ( R2 = 0.13, F (3,851) = 44.02, p < .01). Conclusion: The positive attitudes outcome among this male population is promising for breastfeeding support and advocacy. Education efforts improving knowledge will likely increase behavioral intention, resulting in increased breastfeeding rates and duration.

scholarly journals Health literacy and health-promoting behaviours among Australian-Singaporean communities living in Sydney metropolitan area

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tze Gek Ho ◽  
Hassan Hosseinzadeh ◽  
Bayzidur Rahman ◽  
Mohamud Sheikh
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Migrant Populations ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Smoking And Health

Background: Health literacy affects how individuals navigate and make decisions within the healthcare system and has been recognized to influence health behaviours. However, less is known about its associations with health-promoting behaviours amongst Australian migrant populations. This study is an attempt to fill this gap by investigating the level of health literacy and its associations with physical activity, healthy diet, smoking and health services utilization among Australian-Singaporean communities. Methods: A total of 157 participants were recruited from Singaporean communities living in Sydney metropolitan areas, New South Wales, Australia. Data was collected through a cross-sectional online survey from January 2016 to August 2016. Results: Most of the respondents were female (56.1%), employed (70.7%) and had lived in Sydney for >5 years (80.3%). About 60% of the participants were inadequately health-literate (Brief Health Literacy Screening Tool score ≤ 16). The level of health literacy varied significantly based on participants’ socioeconomic status. Regression analysis indicated that health literacy was a reliable predictor of health-promoting behaviours including diet, body mass index, smoking and alcohol consumption, physical activity and having a medical check-up. Conclusions: This study’s findings have significant implications for health policy makers and suggest that health literacy should be encouraged and included in any health-promoting behaviour interventions amongst migrant populations.

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