Characteristics of 'tween' participants and non-participants in the VERB™ summer scorecard physical activity promotion program

Creating community-based opportunities for youth to be physically active is challenging for many municipalities. A Lexington, Kentucky community coalition designed and piloted a physical activity program, 'VERB? summer scorecard (VSS)', leveraging the brand equity of the national VERB?--It's What You Do! campaign. Key elements of VSS subsequently were adopted in Sarasota County, FL. This study identified characteristics of Sarasota's VSS participants and non-participants. Students in Grades 5-8 from six randomly selected public schools completed a survey assessing VSS participation, physical activity level, psychosocial variables, parental support for physical activity and demographics. Logistic regression showed that VSS participants were more likely to be from Grades 5 to 6 versus Grades 7 and 8 [odds ratio (OR) = 6.055] and perceive high versus low parental support for physical activity (OR = 4.627). Moreover, for each unit rise in self-efficacy, the odds of VSS participation rose by 1.839. Chi-squared automatic interaction detector (CHAID) analysis suggested an interaction effect between grade and school socioeconomic status (SES), with a large proportion of seventh and eighth graders from high SES schools being non-participants (76.6%). A VSS-style program can be expected to be more effective with tweens who are younger, in a middle SES school, having high self-efficacy and high parental support for physical activity.     

Time of adhesion to the Family Health Strategy protects elderly against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents in Florianópolis, 2003 to 2007

The Family Health Strategy (FHS) provides longitudinal follow-up and integrated healthcare. This study evaluated the influence of the time of adhesion to the FHS upon the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebral vascular accidents among the elderly enrolled in the CASSI-Florianópolis. The events were selected because of their high incidence, good notification and association with risk factors the FHS is able to modify. The longer the time of adhesion to the strategy the lower the incidence of these events, demonstrating the effectiveness of the FHS. A historical cohort study was conducted with 674 senior participants (60 or more years), registered between November/2003 and March/2007. The analysis used Student's T test, bivariate and multivariate analysis with logistic regression. The independent risk factors were: age over 80 years, (OR=3,44; CI 95%: 1,8-6,2), diabetes (OR=2,62; CI 95%: 1,4-4,7), hypertension (OR=1,68; CI 95%: 1,0-2,6) and physical inactivity (OR=2,06; CI 95%: 1,2-3,2). The study found no significant association between gender, dislipidemia, obesity, smoking, alcoholism and the studied events. The long time of adhesion to the FHS showed independent protective effect (OR=0,43; CI 95%: 0,2-0,8) after adjustment to earlier covariates, being effective in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebral vascular accidents among the enrolled population of elderly.     

Health and well‐being among elderly persons in Israel: The role of social class and immigration status

Objectives. The purpose of the study was to compare three groups of Israeli elderly that differ in social class and immigration status on measures of health and psychosocial well‐being, and assess the factors which explain their self‐rated health (SRH).

Design. Based on a random sample of Israeli Jewish elderly (70 + ), data were collected from 1138 persons during 1994 by structured home interviews.

Results. Social class differences among Israeli veterans were mainly found with regard to psycho‐social characteristics. They were less conspicuous in health measures. New immigrants, who had a higher level of education than the veterans, but ranked lower on economic status, reported lower levels of health and psycho‐social well‐being than the veterans. Self‐rated health among the immigrants was mainly explained by objective measures of health, and economic status, while in the higher social class of veterans it was also explained by education and psycho‐social variables such as self‐esteem and social support.

Conclusions. These findings indicate that in contradiction to the convergence hypothesis, social class and immigration status affect health and well‐being also in old age. It is suggested that the immigration crisis and factors related to the standard of living and health services in the countries of origin, as well as the lower social and economic status of the immigrants in Israel, outweigh their relative advantage in age and education in influencing their health and well‐being. The differences found among the three groups in the factors that explain self‐rated health have implications for the use of economic status as a relevant indicator of social class when considering health status among the elderly, and for the interpretation of SRH, as a global measure of health, in different socio‐cultural groups.     

Smoking prevalence among students from Florianópolis, SC, Brazil and nursing contributions

Study of the prevalence of smoking among school children, using secondary data from the Survey School "Doing Research - Monitoring of Smoking in School", conducted by the Centre for Oncologic Research of Santa Catarina. Included variables such as age, the starting in smoking, level of knowledge about the subject, among others. It was found that 41.6% of students smoked sometime in life, no statistical difference between the sexes. Among those who have tried, 38.3% did so between 7 and 11 years. The analysis provided a characterization of the prevalence of risk factors, subsidizing a more effective prevention of nursing and its integration in schools.     

Obesity, overweight and thinness in schoolchildren of the city of Florianópolis, Southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of obesity, overweight (including obesity) and thinness in children of the city of Florianopolis (southern Brazil). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Representative sample of 7-10-y-old schoolchildren of the first four grades of elementary schools (1432 girls, 1504 boys). METHODS: Measurements of weight, height and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) were taken following standard techniques. The body mass index (BMI) was computed as weight/height2. Nutritional status was defined using two references: (1) the Must et al reference for BMI and TSF to define thinness, overweight and obesity (5th, 85th and 95th percentiles, respectively); (2) the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) BMI cutoffs to define overweight and obesity. RESULTS: Using BMI, according to the Must et al, and IOTF references, the prevalence of obesity was 10.6 and 5.5%, respectively; overweight (including obesity) affected 26.2 and 22.1% of children, respectively. According to the Must et al reference, the prevalence of thinness was 3.2%. Using TSF rather than BMI, according to the Must et al references, fewer children were classified as obese (8.0%) or overweight (20.2%) and more children were classified as thin (4.9%). CONCLUSION: This study supports the previously reported high frequencies of childhood overweight and obesity in developing countries. The data allow comparisons with other studies carried out in Brazil and other parts of the world.     

What are the most effective intervention techniques for changing physical activity self-efficacy and physical activity behaviour--and are they the same?

There is convincing evidence that targeting self-efficacy is an effective means of increasing physical activity. However, evidence concerning which are the most effective techniques for changing self-efficacy and thereby physical activity is lacking. The present review aims to estimate the association between specific intervention techniques used in physical activity interventions and change obtained in both self-efficacy and physical activity behaviour. A systematic search yielded 27 physical activity intervention studies for 'healthy' adults that reported self-efficacy and physical activity data. A small, yet significant (P < 0.01) effect of the interventions was found on change in self-efficacy and physical activity (d = 0.16 and 0.21, respectively). When a technique was associated with a change in effect sizes for self-efficacy, it also tended to be associated with a change (r(s) = 0.690, P < 0.001) in effect size for physical activity. Moderator analyses found that 'action planning', 'provide instruction' and 'reinforcing effort towards behaviour' were associated with significantly higher levels of both self-efficacy and physical activity. 'Relapse prevention' and 'setting graded tasks' were associated with significantly lower self-efficacy and physical activity levels. This meta-analysis provides evidence for which psychological techniques are most effective for changing self-efficacy and physical activity.     

Friendship groups and physical activity: qualitative findings on how physical activity is initiated and maintained among 10–11 year old children

Background  

Many youth physical activity interventions have minimal effect. To design better interventions we need to understand more about the factors that influence youth activity. Application of self-determination theory to youth physical activity, particularly the relatedness and competence, might suggest that friends and friendship groups influence the initiation and maintenance of youth physical activity. In this study we examined this issue.     

Does social support mediate the relationship among neighborhood disadvantage,incivilities, crime and physical activity?

ObjectiveNeighborhood disadvantage (ND), incivilities, and crime disproportionately impact minority women, discouraging physical activity (PA). Social support (SS) is a cultural tool promoting PA in minority women. Socially supportive environments may promote PA in disadvantaged neighborhoods, yet few studies have investigated the mediating role of social support among minority women. This study examined SS as a mediator among ND, incivilities, crime, and PA.MethodsThe Health Is Power study aimed to increase PA in African American and Hispanic Latina women (N = 410) in Houston and Austin, TX. ND and crime data were taken from the National Neighborhood Crime Study. Incivilities were measured using the Pedestrian Environment Data Scan (PEDS). SS was measured using the Family and Friend Support for Exercise Habits scale and physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Linear regression analysis was used to examine SS as a mediator following the Baron and Kenny method.ResultsND was negatively associated with PA and SS. SS was not a mediator as it was not significantly associated with ND, crime, and incivilities (F_(3,264) = 2.02, p > .05) or PA (F_(1,266) = 3.8 p = .052).ConclusionND significantly discourages PA and limits SS. Future research should focus on developing strategies to overcoming these negative environmental factors.     

Prevalence of physical activity in European adults — Compliance with the World Health Organization's physical activity guidelines

BackgroundAdults are recommended to engage in at least 150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA).PurposeThis study aimed to examine the level of compliance with PA recommendations among European adults.MethodsUsing data from European Social Survey round 6, PA self-report data was collected from 52,936 European adults from 29 countries in 2012. Meeting PA guidelines was assessed using World Health Organization criteria.Results61.47% (60.77% male, 62.05% female) of European adults reported to be engaged in moderate to vigorous PA at least 30 min on 5 or more days per week. The likelihood of achieving the PA recommended levels was higher among respondents older than 18–24. For those aged 45–64 years the likelihood increased 65% (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.51–1.82, p < 0.001) and 112% (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.94–2.32, p < 0.001) for males and females, respectively. Those who were high school graduates were more likely to report achieving the recommended PA levels than those with less than high school education (males: OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.12–1.27, p < 0.001; females: OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.06–1.20, p < 0.001).ConclusionAlthough about 60% of European adults reported achieving the recommended levels of PA, there is much room for improvement among European adults, particularly among relatively inactive subgroups.     

Health consumer groups in the UK: a new social movement?

This paper argues that a health consumer movement has developed in the United Kingdom over the last decade. Drawing on two empirical studies of groups that promote and/or represent the interests of patients, users and carers, it argues that groups formed by people with personal experience of a condition are now more widespread. Feelings of pain and loss can lead to the identification of others in a similar position, and to the formation of groups and action in the political sphere. Research shows that groups share a common discourse and follow similar participative practices, and there is extensive networking. Informal and formal alliances have formed to pursue joint action and indicate a wider health consumer movement. As governments have also increased the opportunities for participation, this has the potential for patients and carers to shape services in ways more responsive to their needs.     

Relationship between intestinal parasites in food handlers and epidemiological factors in the city of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

The presence of intestinal parasites and epidemiological aspects were evaluated in 238 workers from a fast food company and other individuals working in street markets and farmers' produce markets in the city of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Parasitological techniques used in this study were: Lutz, Baermann-Moraes, Graham, and Faust, and parasite infection rates were 42.85% and 47.06%, respectively. Socioeconomic factors such as income distribution, schooling, and occupational categories proved to be relevant in this context. Habitual daily intake of fruits and vegetables was the factor most heavily associated with infection. These data suggest that intestinal parasites are frequent among food handlers in this city and that there is a need for constant epidemiological surveillance through periodic parasitological tests and health education for this entire population segment.     

Do physical activity and social cognitive theory variable scores differ across symptom cluster severity groups in multiple sclerosis?

BackgroundPersons with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience co-occurring symptoms termed “symptom clusters” that can be distinguished based on mild, moderate, or severe symptom severity termed “symptom cluster severity.” Physical activity (PA) may be an approach for improving co-occurring symptoms.ObjectiveTo examined if PA and social cognitive theory (SCT) variables differed by symptom cluster groups, and if associations between SCT variables and PA were moderated by symptom cluster groups.MethodsSecondary analysis of participants with MS (N = 205) enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Trend analyses were conducted to determine if device-measured and self-reported PA and SCT variables (i.e., social support, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, goal setting, planning, and impediments) decreased with increased symptom cluster severity. Spearman rho rank-order correlations were conducted between PA measures and SCT variables within each symptom cluster group.ResultsLinear trend analyses indicated that self-reported PA declined with increased symptom cluster severity groups (F = 4.90,p = 0.03). Linear trend analyses indicated significant differences among symptom cluster severity groups in social support (F = 31.43,p = 0.001), exercise self-efficacy (F = 22.55,p = 0.001), barrier self-efficacy (F = 11.48,p = 0.001), outcome expectations (F = 6.98,p = 0.009), and impediments (F = 34.41,p = 0.001). There were differential associations of moderate magnitude in correlations, such that three SCT variables were associated with PA in the mild group (i.e., self-efficacy, goal setting and planning), two in the moderate group (i.e., social support and goal setting), and four in the severe group (i.e., self-efficacy, outcome expectations, planning, and social support).ConclusionsFurther research is warranted examining the use of SCT-based behavior change techniques for promoting PA and improving symptom clusters in persons with MS.     

Prevalence of symptoms of anorexia nervosa and dissatisfaction with body image among female adolescents in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil

The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of symptoms of anorexia nervosa (EAT+) and dissatisfaction with body image among female adolescents in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The proportional sample (1,148 adolescents) was stratified according to position of schools in the socio-geographic regions and public/private school classification, and was subsequently distributed according to primary and secondary schools. EAT+ was identified through the Eating Attitudes Test and evaluation of body image through the Body Shape Questionnaire. Prevalence rates for EAT+ and dissatisfaction with body image were 15.6% and 18.8%, respectively. EAT+ was associated with age (10-13y) (OR = 1.542; p = 0.046); overweight/obesity (OR = 2.075; p < 0.001); dissatisfaction with body image (OR = 14.392; p < 0.001); and public schools (OR = 1.423; p = 0.041). Multiple logistic regression showed dissatisfaction with body image as the strongest independent risk factor for symptoms of anorexia nervosa (OR = 16.7; p < 0.001). Adolescents in Florianópolis show EAT+ rates similar to those observed in other regions of Brazil.     

Is housework good for health? Levels of physical activity and factors associated with activity in elderly women. Results from the British Women's Heart and Health Study

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of achieving new recommended levels of physical activity, the types of activity involved, and their determinants among elderly British women. DESIGN: National cross sectional survey. PARTICIPANTS: 2341 women aged 60 to 79 from 15 British towns. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of subjects achieving recommended levels of physical activity. RESULTS: Over two thirds of the participants were active at new recommended levels. This was mainly achieved through participation in heavy housework. If domestic activities were excluded only 21% were regularly active. Women who participated in brisk walking for at least 2.5 hours per week had reduced odds of being overweight: odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) 0.5 (0.3 to 0.6) after adjustment for other forms of activity, health status, smoking, and socioeconomic position. Participating in at least 2.5 hours of heavy housework was not associated with reduced odds of being overweight 1.1 (0.8 to 1.4). Age, self reported poor health status, coronary heart disease, and respiratory disease were independently associated with reduced odds of participating in all types of activity. In addition participation in brisk walking and physical exercise were less likely in current smokers, those from the lowest socioeconomic class, and those living in the north of the country. Participation in heavy housework was less likely in women reporting depression but was not associated with smoking, socioeconomic class, or area of residence. CONCLUSIONS: If new physical activity recommendations, which include domestic activities, are used to assess population levels of physical activity then it seems that the majority of elderly women are sufficiently active. Heavy housework is not associated with reduced levels of being overweight and prospective studies are necessary to demonstrate an independent health benefit of participating in domestic activities.     

Safety in numbers: Does perceived safety mediate associations between the neighborhood social environment and physical activity among women living in disadvantaged neighborhoods?

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine associations between the neighborhood social environment and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA)¹ and walking among women, and whether these associations are mediated by perceived personal safety.MethodsWomen (n = 3784) living in disadvantaged urban and rural neighborhoods within Victoria, Australia completed a self-administered survey on five social environment variables (neighborhood crime, neighborhood violence, seeing others walking and exercising in the neighborhood, social trust/cohesion), perceived personal safety, and their physical activity in 2007/8. Linear regression analyses examined associations between social environment variables and LTPA and walking. Potential mediating pathways were assessed using the product-of-coefficients test. Moderated mediation by urban/rural residence was examined.ResultsEach social environment variable was positively associated with engaging in at least 150 min/week of LTPA (OR = 1.16 to 1.56). Only two social environment variables, seeing others walking (OR = 1.45) and exercising (OR = 1.31), were associated with ≥ 150 min/week of walking. Perceived personal safety mediated all associations. Stronger mediation was found in urban areas for crime, violence and social trust/cohesion.ConclusionThe neighborhood social environment is an important influence on physical activity among women living in disadvantaged areas. Feelings of personal safety should not be included in composite or aggregate scores relating to the social environment.     

Do enhancements to the urban built environment improve physical activity levels among socially disadvantaged populations?

Background

There is growing recognition that the urban built environment influences physical activity at the population level, although the effects on disadvantaged groups are less well understood. Using the examples of open/green space and street connectivity, this paper explores whether enhancements to the built environment have potential for addressing physical activity-related health inequalities among Māori, Pacific and low income communities in New Zealand.

Method

A high-level review of the international literature relating open space and street connectivity to physical activity and/or related health outcomes at a population level was completed. Consideration was given to whether these features of the built environment have a disproportionate effect on disadvantaged populations.

Results

Findings from international studies suggest that open space and street connectivity have a beneficial effect on physical activity. Enhancing the built environment may be particularly advantageous for improving physical activity levels among disadvantaged populations.

Conclusion

It is likely that open space and street connectivity have a positive effect on physical activity behaviour; however due to the cross-sectional nature of existing research and the paucity of research among disadvantaged populations definitive conclusions about the effect in these populations cannot be made. Further research is required (e.g. natural experiments or quasi experimental research designs) to determine the effect of changing the environment on physical activity and obesity.

     

Being an extension university holder: reporting the experience of promoting family's health in the daily of a community in Florianópolis

The aim of this text is to describe the experiences lived by the extension university holder of Nest Project: Creating a Transdisciplinary way of Care of Families' Health, between June 2006 and December 2007. In this article, we'll report the importance of integrate education-research-extension and personal and professional growth that we obtained in this journey.