scholarly journals Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Related to Healthy Habits, Learning Processes, and Academic Achievement in Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramón Chacón-Cuberos ◽  
Félix Zurita-Ortega ◽  
Asunción Martínez-Martínez ◽  
Eva Olmedo-Moreno ◽  
Manuel Castro-Sánchez
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthy Habits

Background: Several studies have shown that following a healthy diet and practicing regular physical activity (PA) are related with multiple health benefits. However, the cognitive and academic implications of these behaviors within adolescents requires further study. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a simple of 1059 adolescents from Spain. The main instruments employed were the Adherence to Mediterranean Diet Test (KIDMED), the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) and the Motivation and Learning Strategies Short Form (MSLQ-SF). Results: Practicing PA for more than three hours per week was related to better dietary habits (p < 0.001) such as increased consumption of vegetables (0.75 ± 0.43 vs. 0.62 ± 0.48), fish (0.67 ± 0.47 vs. 0.58 ± 0.49), cereals (0.85 ± 0.35 vs. 0.77 ± 0.41) and nuts (0.44 ± 0.49 vs. 0.35 ± 0.47). High adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD) was positively related to elaboration strategies (r = 0.116), organizational strategies (r = 0.109), critical thinking (r = 0.116), self-regulation (r = 0.159), time and study habits (r = 0.160), self-regulation of effort (r = 0.118), and intrinsically orientated goals (r = 0.090) (p < 0.01 for all variables). Practicing PA every week was also related to improvements in several of the measured variables and in addition was related to lower levels of anxiety within the academic environment (r = −0.070; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Given the benefits of eating habits and the practice of PA in the cognitive processes involved in adolescent learning, intervention programs within the educational context are recommended to improve healthy habits.

scholarly journals Does COVID-19 change dietary habits and lifestyle behaviours in Kuwait: a community-based cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wafaa Husain ◽  
Fatemah Ashkanani
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviours ◽  
Late Night ◽  
Main Meal

Abstract Background The coronavirus pandemic has transformed and continues to transform and affect the daily lives of communities worldwide, particularly due to the lockdown restrictions. Therefore, this study was designed to understand the changes in dietary and lifestyle behaviours that are major determinants of health during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire using a convenience sample of 415 adults living in Kuwait (age range 18–73 years). Results The rate of skipping breakfast remained consistent, with a slight increase during the pandemic. Lunch remained the main reported meal before and during COVID-19. Compared to before COVID-19, people were much more likely have a late-night snack or meal during COVID-19 (OR = 3.57 (95% CI 1.79–7.26), p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a drastic decrease in the frequency of fast-food consumption during COVID-19, up to 82% reported not consuming fast food (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the percentage of participants who had their main meal freshly made (OR = 59.18 (95% CI 6.55–1400.76), p = 0.001). Regarding food group patterns, no significant differences were found before and during the pandemic in terms of the weekly frequency of consumption, except in the case of fish and seafood. There were no remarkable changes in beverage consumption habits among participants before and during the pandemic, except for Americano coffee and fresh juice. Furthermore, there was a great reduction in physical activity and an increase in the amount of screen time and sedentary behaviours. A notable increase was detected in day-time sleep and a decrease in night-time sleep among participants. Conclusion In general, this study indicates some changes in daily life, including changes in some eating practices, physical activity and sleeping habits during the pandemic. It is important that the government considers the need for nutrition education programmes and campaigns, particularly during this critical period of the pandemic in Kuwait.

scholarly journals Social support, adherence to Mediterranean diet and physical activity in adults: results from a community-based cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elpiniki Laiou ◽  
Iro Rapti ◽  
Georgios Markozannes ◽  
Luisella Cianferotti ◽  
Lena Fleig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Network Support ◽  
Diet And Physical Activity ◽  
Social Network Support

Abstract There is a growing recognition that social support can potentially exert consistent or opposing effects in influencing health behaviours. The present paper presents a cross-sectional study, including 2,064 adults from Italy, Spain and Greece, who were participants in a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (C4H study), aiming to examine whether social support is correlated with adherence to a healthy Mediterranean diet and physical activity. Social support data were available for 1,572 participants. The majority of the sample reported emotional support availability (84·5 %), financial support availability (72·6 %) and having one or more close friends (78·2 %). Mediterranean diet adherence was significantly associated with emotional support (P = 0·009) and social network support (P = 0·021). No statistically significant associations were found between participant physical activity and the social support aspects studied. In conclusion, emotional and social network support may be associated with increased adherence to the Mediterranean diet. However, further research is needed to evaluate the role of social support in adherence to healthy Mediterranean diet.

Greek and Immigrant Kindergarteners’ Dietary Habits and BMI: Attica, Greece in Austere Times

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 498-510
Author(s):  
Maria Chrissini ◽  
◽  
Ioanna Tsiligianni ◽  
Dimitra Sifaki-Pistolla ◽  
Nikolaos Tzanakis
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Ethnic Origin ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Immigrant Mothers ◽  
School Year ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
The Mediterranean

Objective: In this study, we assessed Greek and immigrant kindergarteners’ and their families’ body mass index (BMI), nutritional habits, and level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet during the Greek austerity period beginning in 2009. Methods: A cross-sectional study in Attica, Greece, during the school year 2016-17, enrolling 578 guardian parents and 578 kindergarteners aged ≥ 5-6 years, from 63 public kindergartens in 36 municipalities in Attica’s prefecture. Results: Immigrant mothers experienced twice as high the unemployment rate (21.3%) than Greek mothers (10.5%), with consequent degradation in food products purchasing (p = .03)(non-Greeks 54.3%, Greeks: 49.1%). BMI rates between Greeks and immigrant participants were similar, with significant variations in several lifestyle habits, including Greek parents’ heavier smoking and higher physical activity in parents of different ethnic origin. KIDMED score was “poor” in both Greek and other identity kindergarteners, with slight differences in some of the Mediterranean dietary habits and patterns; strong correlation was expressed between the child’s BMI and KIDMED score, guardian parent’s age, BMI, and overall lifestyle. Conclusions: This study could be a springboard for further research in the understudied population of native and immigrant kindergarteners, reflecting on national and international initiatives and action plans to ensure that their similarities and differences are noted.

scholarly journals Physical activity and dietary habits of Filipino college students

Kinesiology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Acampado ◽  
Madonna Valenzuela
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
College Students ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Student Population ◽  
Predisposing Factors ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

No published study has been tracked to date on the physical activity (PA) and dietary habits (DH) of Filipino college students. Thus, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine (1) the prevalence of regular PA among college students in a Philippine setting and (2) the reasons for either adherence to PA or for being inactive, (3) to describe DH of the students, (4) to compare PA involvement and DH across year levels, and (5) to correlate PA and diet behaviors. Data were collected using a self-administered survey questionnaire. Results showed that only 32.8% of the 1,706 students in this study engaged in regular PA. There were greater proportions of inactivity at higher-year levels (62.5%, 66.5%, 76.5%, and 84.8% in the first, second, third and&nbsp;fourth year, respectively). The major reason for inactivity was lack of time, while the students’ PA adherence was largely due to predisposing factors such as knowledge about PA, beliefs in benefits and enjoyment of PA, and confidence in performing physical activity. About one of every three students in each year level had below-average to poor dietary habits, meaning they seldom eat proper types of food. Findings of this study indicate the need for an intervention that will effectively increase regular PA and ensure proper food intake in the student population.

scholarly journals Association Between Physical Activity and Post menopausal Symptoms in Saudi Women: A Cross-sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-164
Author(s):  
Muneera Almurdi ◽  
◽  
Syamala Buragadda ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Menopausal Symptoms ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Menopausal Women ◽  
Significant Difference

Objectives: Menopause is the termination of a woman’s menstrual cycle for a year. In this condition, women’s health status declines due to hormonal changes and aging. Physical Activity (PA) is among the best available alternatives for managing menopause-related symptoms without any adverse effects. This study aimed to assess the relationship between PA and symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, and insomnia in Saudi menopausal women. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 60 menopausal women; they were divided into physically active and inactive groups. The group allocation was conducted based on their PA level determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form (IPAQ-SF). Menopausal symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, and insomnia were assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), respectively, in the study groups. The association between PA and fatigue, depression, and insomnia was assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The significance level was set at P≤0.05. Results: Fatigue, depression, and insomnia were more prevalent in physically inactive post-menopause women than the active women. A significant difference was observed in the outcome variables between the study groups. Furthermore, a significant association was detected between PA and fatigue, depression, and insomnia in the study participants. Discussion: Half of the explored menopausal women were physically active. Physically active menopausal women presented less fatigue, depression, and insomnia, compared to their inactive counterparts. This study suggested that PA positively impacted menopausal symptoms (fatigue, insomnia, & depression). Besides, the collected results highlighted the importance of physical activity among menopausal women.

scholarly journals Physical activity and socio-economic status of single and married urban adults: a cross-sectional study

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e12466
Author(s):  
Daniel Puciato ◽  
Michał Rozpara
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Occupational Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Urban Adults

Background Changing family models have resulted in a large increase in the number of single-person households. This phenomenon has certain implications for society and the economy as single people often exhibit different behaviours, including their engagement in health-related physical activity, than those who are married and living with partners. However, the results of studies on determinants of physical activity in people of different marital status have been inconclusive. The aim of this study was to identify associations between physical activity and socioeconomic status in single and married urban adults. Methods The study material consisted of 4,460 persons (1,828 single and 2,632 married and living with partners). A cross-sectional study was conducted in Wroclaw (Poland). A diagnostic survey-direct interview method was used. Two research tools were applied: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Socioeconomic Status Questionnaire (S-ESQ). The level of respondents’ physical activity was assessed following WHO recommendations. The descriptive statistics included the number and frequency of categories of dependent and independent variables as well as measures of association between them, i.e., crude and adjusted odds ratios. Results The odds ratio of meeting the WHO physical activity recommendations was almost 70% higher in single than in married respondents (OR = 1.67; CI [1.46–2.19]), and slightly more than 40% higher after adjusting for sex, age and education (aOR = 1.42; CI [1.21–1.67]). In both groups socioeconomic the respondents’ status revealed a significant and slightly different association with their levels of physical activity. Occupational status and financial savings significantly affected the level of physical activity in single respondents, while net disposable income was a significant modifier of physical activity levels in respondents who were married or lived with their partners. Conclusions Assessment of the levels and determinants of physical activity among people of different marital status should be continued and extended to other subpopulations. This will allow effective preventive and therapeutic measures to be taken for groups most at risk of hypokinesia. Programs aimed at improving physical activity accounting for the socioeconomic status and marital status of their beneficiaries are particularly important.

scholarly journals Determinants of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study in Women from Southern Italy

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (16) ◽  
pp. 2963 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Maugeri ◽  
Martina Barchitta ◽  
Valerio Fiore ◽  
Giuliana Rosta ◽  
Giuliana Favara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Behavioral Determinants ◽  
The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet (MD)—the dietary pattern usually consumed by Mediterranean populations—can help promote a favorable health status and better quality of life. Uncovering the main factors associated with the adherence to MD may be useful in understanding and counteracting the global shift toward a Western diet, which has been documented also in the Mediterranean region. Here, we evaluated the adherence to MD and its major social and behavioral determinants in women from Catania, Southern Italy. This cross-sectional study included 841 women, aged 25–64 years, with no history of severe diseases. Adherence to MD was assessed by the Food Frequency Questionnaire and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Associations between variables were tested by multivariable logistic regression analysis and expressed as an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Among social factors, medium and high educational levels were associated with an ideal intake of alcohol (OR = 4.059; 95%CI = 1.311–12.570; p = 0.015; OR = 4.258 95%CI = 1.068–16.976; p = 0.040; respectively), living in a couple with ideal intake of cereals (OR = 2.801 95%CI = 1.188–6.602; p = 0.018), and having children with an ideal intake of fruits (OR = 3.149; 95%CI = 1.245–7.762; p = 0.015). With respect to behaviors, current smoking was negatively associated with an ideal intake of meat (OR = 0.449; 95%CI = 0.0220–0.917; p = 0.028), while more engagement in physical activity was associated with an ideal intake of vegetables (OR = 6.148; 95%CI = 1.506–25.104; p = 0.011) and legumes (OR = 5.832; 95%CI = 1.414–24.063; p = 0.015). In line with these findings, moderately or highly physically active women were more likely to show medium or high adherence to MD than those who performed less physical activity (OR = 6.024; 95%CI = 1.192–30.440; p = 0.040; OR = 9.965 95%CI = 1.683–58.993; p = 0.011; respectively). Our results confirm an urgent need for public health strategies, which should take into account determinants of diet quality. Particularly, our study indicates that more engagement in physical activity is a major positive determinant of the adherence to MD.

scholarly journals Lifestyle Habits of Adults During The COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Cyprus: Evidence From a Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ourania Kolokotroni ◽  
Maria Mosquera ◽  
Annalisa Quattrocchi ◽  
Alexandros Heraclides ◽  
Christiana Demetriou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviour ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic and widespread control measures disrupted efforts to address lifestyle risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCD). This study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on all lifestyle medicine pillars.Methods This was a cross-sectional study on a convenient sample of adults residing in Cyprus during the Spring 2020 lockdown. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire incorporating six validated tools regarding the following lifestyle behaviours before and during lockdown: adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, stress and social support levels, sleep pattern and use of risky substances such as smoking and alcohol. Median total scores for each lifestyle pillar before and during lockdown were compared using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test and stratified analyses for sociodemographic characteristics were performed.Results Of 745 participants, 74% were female and median age was 39 years. Overall participants reported significantly higher perceived stress score (22 v 25, p<0.01), lower social support score (71 v 68, p<0.001), and worse sleep quality score (4 v 5, p<0.01) during lockdown. Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence was moderate and increased significantly only in those practicing religious fasting (score of 6 v 7, p<0.01). Total minutes spent sitting increased (120 v 180, p<0.01) although overall physical activity score did not significantly change. Smoking intensity increased during lockdown whilst frequency of alcohol consumption decreased (ptrend=0.03 and <0.01, respectively). ConclusionLifestyle was adversely affected by the COVID-19 lockdown in Cyprus. Evidence from this study supports development of holistic lifestyle interventions during and following the pandemic to reduce short and long-term NCD risks by building on lifestyle behaviour strengths and addressing longstanding and emerging gaps and needs.

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