scholarly journals Towards an In-Depth Understanding of Physical Activity and Eating Behaviours during COVID-19 Social Confinement: A Combined Approach from a Portuguese National Survey

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2685
Author(s):  
Marlene Nunes Silva ◽  
Maria João Gregório ◽  
Rute Santos ◽  
Adilson Marques ◽  
Bruno Rodrigues ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Multiple Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Eating Behaviours ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Opposite Pattern ◽  
Financial Situation ◽  
Lower Educational Level ◽  
Education Levels

Rapid worldwide decreases in physical activity (PA), an increase in sedentary behaviour (SB) and poorer dietary patterns have been reported during COVID-19 confinement periods. However, as national variability has been observed, this study sought to describe PA, SB and eating patterns, and to explore their gender as well as other socio-demographic correlates and how they interrelate in a representative sample of Portuguese adults during the COVID-19 first mandatory social confinement. The survey was applied online and by telephone to 5856 adults (mean age = 45.8 years; 42.6% women). The majority reported high (46.0%) or moderate (20.5%) PA levels. Men, younger participants, those with higher education levels and a favourable perception of their financial situation reported higher PA levels, with the opposite pattern for SB. Physical fitness activities and household chores were more reported by women, with more strength training and running activities reported by men. Regarding eating behaviours, 45.1% reported changes, positive (58%) and negative (42%), with 18.2% reporting increases in consumption of fruit, vegetables, and fish and other seafood consumption, while 10.8% (most with lower educational level and less comfortable with their income) reported an increase in consumption of ready-to-eat meals, soft drinks, savoury snacks, and take-away and delivered meals. Two clusters—a health-enhancing vs. risky pattern—emerged through multiple correspondence analysis characterized by co-occurrence of high vs. low PA levels, positive vs. negative eating changes, awareness or not of the COVID-19 PA and dietary recommendations, perceived financial situation, higher vs. lower educational level and time in social confinement. In conclusion, while in social confinement, both positive and negative PA and eating behaviours and trends were displayed, highlighting the role of key sociodemographic correlates contributing to healthy vs. risky patterns. Results may inform future health interventions and policies to be more targeted to those at risk, and also advocate the promotion of PA and healthy eating in an integrated fashion.

scholarly journals Physical Activity in Older Adults: An Investigation in a Metropolitan Area of Southern Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Gallè ◽  
Elita Anna Sabella ◽  
Giovanna Da Molin ◽  
Eduardo Alfonso Parisi ◽  
Giorgio Liguori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Metropolitan Area ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
World Health ◽  
Education Levels ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Mean Time

Physical activity (PA) and exercise are fundamental to maintaining health in older adults. World Health Organization guidelines state that older adults should practice at least 150 min/week of moderate/vigorous intensity PA to obtain health benefits. We assessed PA levels among older adults in southern Italy and evaluated possible associated determinants. The study was carried out between September and November 2019 in the metropolitan area of Bari. We collected information from participants over 65 years using a self-administered questionnaire. We investigated associations between sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, and inactivity/PA levels. A total of 383 individuals completed the questionnaire. Mean body mass index indicated that 45.4% of participants were overweight. Mean time spent in PA was 476.2 ± 297.8 min/week, with women reporting lower levels than men (370.8 ± 210 vs. 555.2 ± 334.3 min/week, p = 0.08). Weekly sitting time was positively related to age. Attending religious or recreational activities was related to moderate PA. Educational level was positively associated with PA while dog ownership represented an obstacle to achieving recommended PA levels in our population. Participants generally met the recommended levels of PA, especially men; the educational level was the main determinant. Interventions aimed at promoting PA among older adults with lower education levels and women are needed in this setting.

scholarly journals Sociodemographic and family correlates of dietary-lifestyle patterns in young men: cross-sectional study (MeDiSH Project)

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Lonnie ◽  
Lidia Wadolowska ◽  
Joanna Kowalkowska ◽  
Elzbieta Bandurska-Stankiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Cottage Cheese ◽  
Fast Foods ◽  
Fried Food ◽  
Lower Educational Level ◽  
The Past ◽  
Lifestyle Patterns

AbstractThe aim of this study was to identify the sociodemographic and family correlates associated with dietary and lifestyle patterns in young men. In all, 367 men from the Warmia and Mazury region (Poland), aged 19–40 years old participated in the study. Data regarding sociodemographic, family status, dietary and lifestyle characteristics were collected through structured interviews using food frequency questionnaire KomPAN (Jezewska-Zychowicz et al. 2018, http://www.knozc.pan.pl). Dietary and lifestyle patterns were derived using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). In total, 25 dietary and 6 lifestyle standardised variables were included in the PCA. The associations were verified using logistic regression. Four DLPs were derived, explaining 33% of the variance. Men from the upper tertile of “Protein food, fried-food and recreational physical activity” pattern (characterised by frequent intake of white meat, white rice, eggs, red meat, fried food, groats, higher number of meals a day and recreational activity) were more likely to be under 30 years old (odds ratio, OR = 2.20, 95% confidence interval, 95%CI: 1.30–3.70) than men from the bottom tertile. Men from the upper tertile of “Sandwiches and convenience foods” pattern (characterised by frequent intake of cold meats and smoked sausages, white bread, butter, cheese, sweets and tinned meat) were more likely to be in a relationship (1.95, 1.14–3.34) than men from the bottom tertile. Men from the upper tertile of “Fast foods and stimulants” pattern (characterised by frequent intake of sweetened beverages, energy drinks, alcohol, fast foods, and smoking currently or/and in the past) were more likely to be under 30 years old (2.46, 1.46–4.14), to live in towns and rural areas (2.07, 1.21–3.55) and to have lower educational level (2.01, 1.20–3.36) in comparison to men from the bottom tertile. Men from the upper tertile of “Healthy diet, activity at work, former smoking” pattern (characterised by frequent intake of fruit, vegetables, fermented milk products, wholegrain bread, fish, cottage cheese, milk, groats, legumes, higher number of meals a day, physical activity at work and smoking in the past) were more likely to work physically (2.06, 1.22–3.47) and be in a relationship (1.93, 1.12–3.32). Sociodemographic and family correlates were strongly associated with dietary and lifestyle patterns, both healthy and unhealthy, in our sample of young men. The results demonstrate that diet and lifestyle interventions should be particularly targeted at men under 30 years old, those living in small towns and rural areas and with lower educational level.

scholarly journals Energy Balance–Related Behavior and Anthropometric Measures Among Adolescents Across Three Educational Levels: A Cross-Sectional Study in Dutch Schools

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica A. M. Ridder ◽  
Maaike Koning ◽  
Tommy L. S. Visscher ◽  
Remy A. Hirasing ◽  
Jacob C. Seidell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Energy Balance ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Daily Consumption ◽  
Anthropometric Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Educational Levels ◽  
Organized Sports ◽  
Lower Educational Level ◽  
School Canteen

Energy balance–related behavior on schooldays and beliefs about school-based interventions may differ between students in different educational levels, sexes, and BMI (body mass index) categories. In Zwolle (the Netherlands), 1,084 adolescents (13-15 years) at 9 secondary schools completed a questionnaire. Overweight prevalence (boys 18.1%, girls 19.3%) increased with decreasing educational level, especially in boys. Girls reported healthier behavior than boys regarding daily consumption of fruit (35% vs. 29%), vegetables (58% vs. 48%), ≤1 snack/candy (36% vs. 26%), ≤3 glasses of sugared drinks (80% vs. 73%; all p < .05). Unhealthier dietary behaviors were associated with lower educational level, except for eating sugary and savory snacks. Snacks and sugared drinks consumed at school were mostly brought from home (61.6% and 68.5%, respectively). Overweight students reported less frequent consumption of daily breakfast, snacks, and sugared drinks than nonoverweight students. Of all students, 40% spent ≥1 hour per day cycling to school. Lower educational level students reported less organized sports activities than higher level students, but more outside play and other activities. Overweight was associated with cycling to school (boys) and participating in organized sports (girls). More girls than boys were interested in lessons about healthy nutrition (44.4% vs. 31.7%). To stimulate physical activity, boys suggested more physical education classes (63%), girls advised more variation (47%) and choice (43%). A healthy school canteen (57%) and offering free fruit (67%) were suggested as promising interventions to stimulate healthy behavior. Educational and environmental interventions to tackle unhealthy dietary and physical activity behavior should be developed in collaboration with parents and tailored to educational level and gender.

scholarly journals An Evaluation of the Knowledge of Patiens of the Need to Follow Suitable Lifestyles After Hart Surgery

2015 ◽  
Vol 124 (4) ◽  
pp. 187-190
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Narloch ◽  
Wioletta Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cardiac Surgery ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Place Of Residence ◽  
Financial Situation ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Abstract Introduction. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of premature death in Europe. In Poland, the percentage mortality is 2, 5 times higher than in Western European countries. Aim. To assess patients' knowledge of the need for diet and physical activity after cardiac surgery. Material and methods. The study involved a group of 150 patients after cardiac surgery. The research was conducted at the Department of Cardiac and Vascular Surgery, University Clinical Centre in Gdansk. The study used a questionnaire of our own design. Results. Over half of the respondents stated that they had an average amount of knowledge with regard to healthy eating, while one in four had a less than average level of knowledge, and 16% opined that they had a superior knowledge of the same. These results are dependent on age and degree of formal education, and to adherence to dietary recommendations of gender, to financial situation and marital status. With regard to average dietary adherence, more women than men properly identified products harmful to human health. These last results bore little correlation to place of residence or degree of formal education. In addition, slightly more than half of the respondents (55.3%) practiced some sort of physical activity, but up 44.7% does not do any. More active were women and younger people (of both sexes), and those with higher degrees of formal education. Conclusions. Knowledge of patients with regard to diet after cardiac surgery is dependent on age and degree of formal education, and to adherence to dietary recommendations of gender, to financial situation and marital status. However, formal education and place of residence does not have a significant impact on the level of knowledge of products that are harmful to human health and behavior. Both sex, place of residence and degree of formal education have an impact on level of physical activity in general, as well as on its individual manifestations. More active are women, younger people and those with higher formal education.

Effect of Visual Feedback on the Static and Kinematic Characteristics of Handwriting

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 5-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Pertsinakis
Keyword(s):  
Visual Feedback ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Movement Analysis ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Software Module ◽  
Medium Education ◽  
Education Levels ◽  
Pen Tablet ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Document Examiners

Research on visual feedback has not produced consistent results to show how visual feedback or the lack, thereof, influences individual handwriting characteristics. A two-pronged approach was designed to investigate the degree of this influence. For this purpose, samples of signatures as well as cursive and block text, written with and without visual feedback, were collected from 40 volunteers and imported into a PC via a pen tablet, using an electronic inking pen. The data was analyzed in a handwriting movement analysis software module specially designed for this research that was added to the software MovAlyzeR by Neuroscript LLC. Two forensic document examiners (FDEs) independently analyzed samples from the two groups (samples executed with normal visual feedback versus the group of samples executed without visual feedback). They found no fundamental differences between these two groups. Their analyses also demonstrated that a large number of similarities existed in the general design of the allographs (alternative forms of a letter or other grapheme) and in the pictorial aspects, regardless of the complexity of the samples. In the cursive and block handwriting, four main qualitative characteristics were linked to the absence of visual feedback: change of overall size, non-uniformity of left margins, change of baseline alignment, and inclusion of extra trajectories. The statistical analysis verified the above findings. The comparative analysis also suggests that gender, educational level (above high school) and handedness create an insignificant influence on the individual characteristics of writing produced with and without visual feedback. The only notable exception is the relationship between signature duration and educational level. The volunteers with a medium education level showed a significant increase in duration while signing their names without visual feedback in comparison to those with higher education levels. The combination of the above findings suggests that handwriting is not fundamentally influenced by visual feedback.  Purchase Article - $10

scholarly journals Identifying and measuring the behavioural, dietary, and physical activity components of weight management consultations delivered by general practice nurses in routine care

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Tong ◽  
Elizabeth Morris ◽  
Susan A. Jebb ◽  
Dimitrios A. Koutoukidis
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Care Group ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Audio Recordings ◽  
Baseline Weight ◽  
Physical Activity Recommendations ◽  
Activity Recommendations

Abstract Background Many people with obesity receive weight loss consultations by general practice nurses (GPNs) in routine primary care. This exploratory study aimed to characterise the components of these consultations, including behaviour change techniques (BCTs), and dietary and physical activity recommendations. Methods We analysed audio recordings of weight management consultations conducted by 8 GPNs as part of the ‘usual care’ group in a randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN75092026). Consultations were coded against three taxonomies to classify BCTs, dietary recommendations, and physical activity recommendations. Associations between coded content and weight loss were assessed. Differences in the content of consultations where weight loss was < 5% or ≥ 5% from baseline weight at 6 months were explored. Results One hundred and fifty audio recordings were available from 53 out of 140 (38%) participants in the usual care group. Participants had on average 3 (SD = 1) recorded consultations over 3 months, lasting 14 (SD = 7) minutes each. Weight change at 3, 6, and 12 months was -3.6% (SD = 4.3), -5.5% (SD = 6.0) and -4.2% (SD = 6.5) for participants with audio recordings. GPNs used 3.9 (SD = 1.6) of 93 BCTs, 3.3 (SD = 2.7) of 30 dietary recommendations and 1.4 (SD = 1.2) of 10 physical activity recommendations per consultation. The most commonly employed BCTs were feedback on outcome of behaviour (80.0%), problem solving (38.0%), and social reward (34.3%). The most common dietary recommendations were about portion size (31.3%), nutrients (28.0%), and balanced diet (19.7%). The main physical activity recommendation was about walking (30.3%). There was no association between weight loss and the number of dietary recommendations, physical activity recommendations, or BCTs used per consultation, or per participant. Social reward was the only technique used significantly more in consultations of participants that lost ≥ 5% of their baseline weight at 6 months. Conclusions The study provides a new method that could be used to describe the content of weight management consultations. Specific dietary or physical activity recommendations and BCTs were used infrequently and inconsistently in this group of GPNs. Although replication is required in larger samples, this may point to a weakness in current practice.

scholarly journals Effects of cycling workstation to get tertiary employee moving on their overall health: study protocol for a REMOVE trial

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry Guirado ◽  
Lore Metz ◽  
Bruno Pereira ◽  
Audrey Bergouignan ◽  
David Thivel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Eating Behaviours ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Working Day

Abstract Background Sedentary behaviour (SB) and low levels of physical activity (PA) are predictors of morbidity and mortality. Tertiary employees spend a considerable amount of their daily time seated and new efficient strategies to both reduce sedentary time and increase physical activity are needed. In that context, the REMOVE study aims at evaluating the health effects of a 24-week cycling desk intervention among office workers. Methods A prospective, open-label, multicentre, two-arm parallel, randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted in office-sitting desk workers. Office workers (N = 80) who have 0.8 full time equivalent hours (FTE) and 75% of this time in a sitting position will be recruited from tertiary worksites in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Subjects will be randomly assigned to one of the two following interventions: (i) PPM6: performance of two 30 min of cycling desk (using portable pedal exercise machine—PPM) per working day for 6 months or (ii) CTL_PPM3: 3 months with no intervention (control) followed by 3 months during which workers will be asked to complete two 30 min of PPM per working day. At baseline (T0), at 3 months (T1) and at 6 months (T2) after the start of the interventions, primary outcomes; 7-day PA and SB (3D-accelerometers), secondary outcomes; body composition (bioelectrical impedance), physical fitness (aerobic fitness, upper and lower limb strength), metabolic outcomes (fasting blood samples), self-perceived stress, anxiety, quality of life at work and job strain (questionnaires), tertiary outcomes; resting metabolic rate and cycling energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry) and eating behaviours (questionnaires) will be measured. An ergonomic approach based on observations and individual interviews will be used to identify parameters that could determine adherence. Discussion The REMOVE study will be the first RCT to assess the effects of cycling workstations on objectively measured PA and SB during working and non-working hours and on key physiological and psychological health outcomes. This study will provide important information regarding the implementation of such cycling workstations in office workers and on the associated potential health benefits. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.govNCT04153214. Registered on November 2019, version 1

scholarly journals Common Mental Disorders, Functional Limitation and Diet Quality Trends and Related Factors among COPD Patients in Spain, 2006–2017: Evidence from Spanish National Health Surveys

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2291
Author(s):  
Silvia Portero de la de la Cruz ◽  
Jesús Cebrino
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Health Surveys ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Functional Limitation ◽  
Copd Patients ◽  
National Health Surveys

Certain conditions such as common mental disorders (CMDs), functional limitation (FL) and poor diet quality may affect the lives of individuals who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study sought to examine time trends in the prevalence of CMDs, FL and diet quality among male and female COPD patients living in Spain from 2006 to 2017 and to identify which factors were related to CMDs, FL and a poor/improvable diet quality in these patients. We performed a cross-sectional study among COPD patients aged ≥ 40 years old using data from the Spanish National Health Surveys conducted in 2006, 2011 and 2017, identifying a total of 2572 COPD patients. Binary logistic regressions were performed to determine the characteristics related to CMDs, FL and poor/improvable diet quality. Over the years of the study, the prevalence of FL among female COPD patients increased (p for trend <0.001). In addition, CMDs were associated to body mass index (BMI), educational level, physical activity, smoking status, occupation, chronic conditions and alcohol consumption; FL was related to age, living with a partner, educational level, physical activity and chronic conditions; and poor/improvable diet quality was associated to age, smoking status, BMI and physical activity.

scholarly journals The mediating effect of lifestyles on the association between social factors and DNA methylation

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Maugeri ◽  
M Barchitta ◽  
G Favara ◽  
C La Mastra ◽  
MC La Rosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Methylation Level ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
High Educational Level ◽  
Age Related ◽  
High Educational

Abstract Background Social disadvantage and unhealthy lifestyles may induce molecular changes associated with aging and age-related diseases. For instance, previous studies reported socioeconomic difference in DNA methylation, which in turn led to aberrant gene expression and genome instability. Socioeconomic status (SES) alone, however, does not completely explain this difference, and further studies are needed to unveil what factors contribute to it. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study on 349 Italian women, aged 25-64 years, to assess SES differences in LINE-1 methylation level - a surrogate marker of global DNA methylation - and to examine the mediating effect of lifestyles (i.e. diet, smoking habits, physical activity, and weight status). Educational level was used as SES indicator. The adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD) was assessed by the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Leukocyte LINE-1 methylation was assessed by pyrosequencing. Mediation analysis was conducted using the PROCESS macro for the SPSS software. Results We first observed that women with high educational level were more likely to be normal weight (p &lt; 0.001) and to adhere to MD (p = 0.018), and less likely to perform physical activity (p = 0.012) than their less educated counterpart. Moreover, age-adjusted linear regression demonstrated that LINE-1 methylation level increased with increasing educational level (β = 0.016; SE = 0.003; p &lt; 0.001). In line, mediation analysis demonstrated an indirect effect of high educational level on LINE-1 methylation through the adherence to MD (β = 0.003; 95%CI=0.001-0.006). Specifically, the mediator could account for 9.5% of the total effect. None of the other lifestyles, instead, exhibited a significant mediating effect. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the mediation of diet in the relationship between SES and DNA methylation. Thus, our findings add even more value to the promotion of healthy dietary habits among social disadvantaged people. Key messages Social disadvantage is associated with epigenetic changes related to aging and age-related diseases. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet might mediate the association between socioeconomic status and DNA methylation.

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