Physical activity, dietary habits and plasma lipoproteins in young men and women

There are studies suggesting that in young women strenuous physical activity and inadequate daily energy intake cause unfavorable changes in lipoprotein profile. However until know data concerning this issue are contradictory, possibly due to small number of participants. This study aimed at evaluation of lipoprotein profile in young men and women with different weekly physical activity together with their dietary habits. A total of 202 subjects volunteered to participate of the study--54 female and 56 male students of physical education and 46 female and 49 male students representing other specialization. Daily energy and macronutrient intakes were assessed using FOOD 2 computer program. Plasma TG, TC and HDL-C were assayed colorimetically using Randox commercial kits (Great Britain). It has been demonstrated that high physical activity adversely affects lipoprotein profile in young women characterized by higher TC and LDL-C in comparison with women with low physical activity and with men with high physical activity. The effect of high physical activity on plasma lipoproteins is equivocal. Active men are characterized by higher HDL, but also by higher frequency of unfavorable plasma TC and similar frequency of unfavorable plasma LDL-C C as compared with their less active counterparts. The mean daily energy intake in highly active men and women covered 82% and 72.2% recommended intake, respectively. It seems feasible that in both sexes high physical activity and inadequate energy intake brings about unfavorable changes in plasma lipoproteins.     

Eggs, serum lipids, emotional stress, and blood pressure in medical students

Emotional stress that occurred as a result of anticipation and participation in final exams did not change mean serum total cholesterol or high density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly in 26 male students who had eaten two eggs daily while maintaining a controlled diet for 12 wk. These same men continued to maintain a controlled diet but abstained from eating eggs for 12 wk which resulted in a statistically significant lower total cholesterol level at the end of 6 wk and on the day of final exams at the end of 12 wk. Mean values for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in abstainers were significantly reduced at the end of 6 wk, but did not change further by 12 wk. Mean serum triglycerides values were variable. Blood pressures were not changed significantly.     

Serum leptin level among non-obese students: relationship to body fat, blood pressure, serum lipids, physical activity, and eating habits]

Leptin, a product of the ob gene, is thought to play a key role in the regulation of adiposity. However, it is unclear in humans as to whether or not leptin influences the blood pressure, serum lipids, physical activity level, or eating behavior in relation to obesity. Recent reports have indicated both gender-based differences in the leptin levels and a correlation of the percentage of body fat with leptin levels has been observed among obese subjects. As far as we know, these relationships among non-obese young adults have yet to be studied. Therefore, the serum leptin concentrations among 107 non-obese students (72 males and 35 females) were measured by a radioimmunoassay(RIA). Fasting leptin levels ranging between 1.2 and 23.4 ng/mL were observed in all subjects, and the levels among females were 2.6 times higher than in males (7.64 vs 2.95 ng/mL; p < 0.001). A close correlation was observed regarding the log-transformed leptin levels with the percentage of body fat as determined by the bioelectrical impedance analysis method(r = 0.734, p < 0.001 in males and r = 0.579, p < 0.001 in females). In conclusion, these data thus suggest the serum leptin levels among non-obese students show significant gender-based differences while, in addition, the leptin levels also correlate positively with the percentage of body fat. However, it remains unclear as to whether or not the leptin levels are independently related to the blood pressure, serum lipids, physical activity level (sports activity and leisure-time activity), and eating behavior (eating breakfast, mid-day snacking and nighttime snacking).     

Study of the effects of dietary fish intake on serum lipids and lipoproteins in two populations with different dietary habits

Increased concentrations of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), namely eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5; EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6; DHA), have been shown to be beneficial in coronary artery disease (CAD). In the present study, the relationships between fish intake and concentrations of serum EPA and DHA and the effects of these fatty acids on serum lipids and lipoproteins were investigated. Two groups of men, one living in a fishing village and the other in a farming village, participated in this study. The daily fish consumption was ten times greater in the fishing village group than in the rural village group and the mortality from IHD in the rural village was four times higher. Serum concentrations of EPA and DHA were significantly higher in the fishing village group (P < 0.001). In this group, the serum concentration of arachidonic acid (20:4; AA), was significantly lower (P < 0.001), and the ratio EPA:AA was twice that of the rural village (P < 0.001). Moreover, in the fishing village group, the serum triacylglycerol and total cholesterol levels were significantly lower than those observed in the rural village (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively). In the fishing village group the serum LDL-cholesterol concentration was also lower, although the difference was not significant. Our results reinforce the hypothesis that a high intake of n-3 PUFA provides protection against CAD.     

Alcohol and drug use in second-year medical students at the University of Leeds

OBJECTIVE: In view of recent media attention concerning the high level of alcohol and drug use reported in a group of newly qualified junior doctors, the aim of the present study was to assess the alcohol and drug habits of a group of current medical students. METHODS: Information about alcohol and illicit drug use was obtained from 136 second-year medical students (46 men, 90 women) at the University of Leeds by means of a personally administered questionnaire. Levels of anxiety and depression were also assessed. RESULTS: 86% of the students drank alcohol and among those who drank, a high proportion (52.6% of the men and 50.6% of the women), exceeded the recommended weekly limit of alcohol consumption of 21 units for men and 14 units women per week). Illicit drug use was reported by 33.1% of students (28.3% of men, 35.6% of women). The drug most commonly used was cannabis. According to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale, 41.2% of the students (37% of men, 43.3% of women) had anxiety ratings within the clinically significant range (HAD scale> 8); 9.5% of students demonstrated clinically significant levels of depression (HAD scale> 8). However, these high levels of anxiety and depression did not correlate with high levels of alcohol consumption or drug use.     

Changes in food neophobia and dietary habits of international students

Background: International study is becoming more prevalent, yet aspects such as food neophobia often militate against visiting students consuming a nutritionally balanced diet. The present study aimed to evaluate the extent to which international post‐graduate students experience food neophobia, how this might vary by nationality and other demographic characteristics, and how acculturation might manifest itself in students’ dietary behaviour. Methods: International students (n = 228) attending a Masters course were invited to complete a validated food neophobia and dietary habits questionnaire during their first week at university. The questionnaire was subsequently re‐administered to the same students approximately 4 and 8 months later. Results: In total, 226 usable responses were analysed (124, 58 and 44, respectively) for the first, second and final data collection. Perhaps surprisingly, the overall food neophobia scores increased from an mean (SD) initial value of 27.95 (16.95) to 33.67 (33.67) after 3 months, although, when comparing European and Asian students, only the former were significantly different (P < 0.05). Both Asian and European students reported small but not significant changes in their eating habits, although, after 3 months, significantly (P = <0.05) fewer changes were reported. No significant changes were reported in students’ perceived healthiness of their diets either by nationality or over time. Conclusions: Understanding the complexities of food neophobia, other aspects of dietary change and at what point these changes might take place in the acculturation process when students arrive in the UK needs to be fully understood if a climate for positive learning is to be established.     

Evaluation of a clinical nutrition elective course for second-year medical students

This study evaluated an 18-hour clinical nutrition elective for second-year medical students which was developed to reflect the students' interests and needs. The treatment group (n = 20) attended a 12-week elective nutrition course (18 hours total). The control group was made up of classmates who chose not to participate, but who volunteered as pretest/posttest controls (n = 16). We found that the posttest nutrition knowledge scores of the treatment group were significantly higher than the posttest nutrition knowledge scores of the control group. Before the treatment, we found no significant differences between the two groups in nutrition knowledge, National Board of Medical Examiners Scores, or nutrition attitudes. In their course evaluation, the medical students suggested that nutrition courses should present a working knowledge of nutrition as it relates to specific diseases and to the practical aspects of the nutritional management of patients.     

Dietary habits, lifestyle and physical condition of junior high school students

Dietary habits, lifestyle and thirty subjective physical symptoms of all students at the first year level of junior high school were investigated by means of a specially designed questionnaire. After two years, the same questionnaire was again used on the same students who were now in their third year of junior high school. The students (305 boys and 319 girls totalling 624 students) who were included in both the first and the second surveys were used to analyze the relationship between physical conditions and lifestyle. The results were as follows: 1. The number of subjective symptoms increased significantly during the two years. 2. The students in their third year consumed less of a variety of foods than those in their first year. Dietary habits such as having a breakfast, lunch, or eating a meal with the family were worse at the third year level compared to the first year level. 3. In regard to lifestyle, recreational time or sleep time decreased while study time, dissatisfaction with life, or the rate of getting in or being in trouble increased during the two years surveyed. 4. Balance score and Dietary habits score decreased during the two years along with the increase in subjective symptoms. The survey suggests that better dietary habits and lifestyle are necessary in order to maintain good physical condition in junior high school students.     

The sleep habits, personality and academic performance of medical students

The academic performance of 104 fourth-year medical students was assessed in relation to their sleep habits reported in a questionary and their scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. Poorer academic performance was related significantly to later times of waking up in the morning, particularly at weekends, and to subjectively poorer quality sleep, but not to the amount of sleep usually obtained. Poor academic performance was related also to scores on scales 3 (hysteria), 4 (psychopathic deviate) and 8 (schizophrenia) of the MMPI. Simple enquiries about sleep habits may make it easier for students who are at greatest risk of academic failure to be identified and helped.     

Differences in dietary habits, serum fatty acid compositions and other coronary risk characteristics between freshmen and fourth-year male university students

Westernization of lifestyles among Japanese, in particular among young generations, is a matter of concern for future increase in coronary heart disease. We surveyed a total of 349 male university students to examine changes in lifestyles and coronary risk factors in campus life. We compared dietary habits and serum fatty acid compositions as well as other coronary risk characteristics between freshmen (n=171) and fourth-year (senior) students (n=178). Serum fatty acid compositions and dietary intakes of selected foods as well as serum lipids, blood pressures and physical characteristics were examined at the 1996 and 1997 annual health examinations. Compared to freshmen, senior students had a lower frequency of fish, vegetable, milk and egg intake, and a higher frequency of oil and fat intake. The proportions of serum saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher among senior students than among freshmen, whereas the proportion of serum polyunsaturated fatty acids was significantly lower among senior students than among freshmen. Senior students also had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, percent body fat, smoking rate and alcohol usage than freshmen. Mean body weight and mean body mass index were not different between the two groups. Senior students generally showed Westernized dietary habits and higher coronary risk profiles than freshmen as indicated by the change of serum fatty acid compositions. Modification of these dietary habits and lifestyles may be important for the prevention of future CHD among Japanese young adults.     

Smoking habits of final-year Galician medical students

Smoking habits among final-year Galician medical students have been studied using a questionnaire complying with the recommendations of the W.H.O. and the U.I.C.C. Aspects reported include the prevalence of the smoking habit, the characteristics of smoker, drug and habit, and health problems attributed to smoking. The prevalence rate was high (61.9%); average consumption by smokers was 16 cigarettes/day; most smokers smoked cigarettes with medium-to-high nicotine and medium-to-low tar contents; and the proportion of ex-smokers was small. Smokers were found to be well aware of the dangers of smoking, and their failure to relinquish the habit is attributed to lack of social support. The role of Medical Faculties in the fight against smoking is discussed, and it is suggested that priority should be given to anti-smoking campaigns among secondary school students (14-17 year-olds) and university undergraduates, since 60% of smokers acquired the habit during the former period and 21% during the latter.     

中小学生饮食习惯对血清总抗氧化能力的影响

目的 通过调查宁夏南部山区中小学生的饮食习惯对血清总抗氧化能力的影响,为中小学生的身体健康提供理论依据。方法 采取分层整群和随机抽样相结合的方法,选取海原县、西吉县、泾源县、原州区、同心县5个县区15个小学,5个中学6～18岁的中小学生300名,采用半定量食物频率表（FFQ）法进行20个类别食物营养素的摄入调查,测量其血清各抗氧化指标的水平。结果 在中小学生中,粗粮、豆制品、水果、坚果、鱼虾类、奶制品、油炸食品、膨化食品、腌制食品、甜食≥3次/周的人数低于50%;米面类、蔬菜、肉制品、蛋类的人数高于50%;中小学生中豆制品、粗粮、鱼虾类摄入频率≥3次/周的血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)水平明显高于＜3次/周（P＜0.05）;中小学生中肉制品摄入频率≥3次/周血清过氧化氢酶（CAT）水平明显高于＜3次/周（P＜0.05）;中小学生中豆制品摄入频率≥3次/周血清总抗氧化能力（T - AOC）明显高于＜3次/周（P＜0.05）;且SOD、CAT及T - AOC与豆制品的摄入分值密切相关(P均＜0.05), MDA与蛋类摄入分值密切相关(P＜0.05)。结论 粗粮、豆制品、肉制品、鱼虾类摄入频率≥3次/周以上者可明显提高中小学生血清抗氧化能力。SOD、CAT及T - AOC与豆制品的摄入分值密切相关。     

Tobacco smoking habits, beliefs, and attitudes among medical students in Tirana, Albania

BACKGROUND: Many surveys throughout the world have evaluated the smoking behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes of medical students, but no information is available from Albania. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey in classroom settings using a self-administered questionnaire was performed at the University of Tirana during October 2000. RESULTS: In the first and fifth years of medical school, 149 (68.5% women) and 185 (55% women) students, respectively, completed the questionnaire, with overall response rates of 82 and 92%. Tobacco smoking prevailed among males. The smoking rates among first-year medical students were 34% among men and 5% among women. Among fifth-year students, 55% of the men and 34% of the women smoked. The percentages of occasional smokers were 29 and 49%, respectively, among the first- and fifth-year students who smoked. Most medical students reported knowing the health hazards of tobacco. Most students in both groups believed that smoking should be restricted in hospitals. Slightly more than half of the students stated that they will regularly advise smokers against smoking in their future jobs. CONCLUSION: Tobacco smoking is common among medical students in Albania. Targeted antismoking training should be mandatory for medical students in Albania.     

Physical activity, dietary habits and adenomatous polyps of the sigmoid colon: a study of self-defense officials in Japan

Physical activity and dietary habits were compared between 80 men with adenomatous polyps of the sigmoid colon and 1148 men with normal colonoscopy among male retiring self-defense officials. Physical activity as expressed in terms of time spent doing strenuous activities during leisure time was inversely related to the risk of adenomatous polyps. Controlling for rank, smoking, alcohol and body mass index (BMI), odds ratios for the categories of 0, 1-59, 60-119 and greater than or equal to 120 minutes per week were 1.0, 0.88, 0.70 and 0.44, respectively (trend p = 0.015). Among a limited range of foods and beverages, the consumption of rice, green tea and instant coffee tended to be associated with a decreased risk of adenomatous polyps. Although the associations observed with dietary habits still need to be substantiated, the findings on physical activity lend further evidence to the hypothesis that physical activity may be protective in the development of colon cancer.