Differences In Lifestyle Habits Research Articles

Perceived coaches’ health promotion activity, maintenance of participation in sports, and lifestyle habits among emerging adults: a four-year follow-up study

Objectives This study focused on how adolescents’ perceptions of coaches’ health promotion activity predict maintained participation and dropout in organized sports in emerging adulthood. In addition, differences in lifestyle habits between maintainers, dropouts, and nonparticipants in organized sports were explored. Materials and Methods Overall, 616 adolescents reported organized sports participation in the Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club (FHPSC) study at ages 15 and 19. Of these, 323 reported coach’s health promotion activity on health topics at the age of 15. An index of a coach’s general health promotion activity was formed. At age 19, all study participants reported their lifestyle habits. Results Among males, those who had perceived coaches’ general health promotion activity as frequent were more likely to be maintainers than dropouts (48.6% vs. 20.0%) (p = .002). Among females, there was no significant difference (32.0% vs. 28.4%). Logistic regression analysis adjusted for gender showed that perceiving coach’s general health promotion activity as frequent increased the odds of being a maintainer rather than a dropout. Moreover, maintainers had higher odds of having healthy lifestyle habits when compared to nonparticipants (related to physical activity; sleep; fruit and vegetable consumption; and cigarette use) or dropouts (related to physical activity; and cigarette use). In addition, dropouts had higher odds of having healthy lifestyle habits than nonparticipants (related to sleep; and cigarette use). Conclusions Perceiving coaches’ health promotion activity as frequent was related to maintained participation in organized sports among males. Maintainers were more likely to have more healthy lifestyle habits than nonparticipants and dropouts. There is a need to invest in coaches’ health promotion activity when it is infrequent. A more detailed understanding is needed of coaches’ health promotion activity that supports both maintained participation in sports, especially among females, and healthy lifestyle habits in emerging adulthood.

(277) A Symbol of Masculinity: Is there a Correlation Between Men's Lower Body and Serum Testosterone Levels?

Abstract Introduction While a robust lower body and strong lower body strength are regarded as symbols of masculinity, the actual relationship with testosterone is not clear. Previous studies have shown a significant correlation between serum testosterone levels and body fat components, but not with skeletal muscle mass. Objective This study aimed to determine if there is any correlation between male lower body strength, lower body size, and testosterone. Methods Serum testosterone levels, waist circumference, weight and BMI measurement, Body composition tests (skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, body fat percentage, abdominal fat percentage, visceral fat percentage), and physical fitness tests (cardiorespiratory, flexibility, endurance, strength, agility, power, balance) were conducted in 95 men (aged over 40) who visited the hospital for erectile dysfunction. For understanding the lower body size, the circumference of the thigh and calf was measured, and to measure lower body strength, the muscle strength of the knee joint was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Patients with serum testosterone levels below 250ng/dL were defined as group I, and those with levels above 350ng/dL were classified as group II. Differences in body composition, physical fitness, adjusted calf and thigh circumference (by weight), and bilateral knee extension and flexion strength (adjusted by weight) were verified using an independent t-test. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to check for differences in lifestyle habits and underlying diseases, and a simple correlation test was conducted to understand the association between serum testosterone levels and lower body size and strength. Results Age did not significantly differ between the groups. Group I had a significantly higher proportion of alcohol consumption and number of underlying diseases. In body composition, Group I had a significant increase in weight, BMI, and waist circumference compared to Group II. The body fat percentage, abdominal fat percentage, and visceral fat percentage were also significantly higher in Group I than in Group II. In physical fitness, cardiorespiratory function, agility, power, and balance showed significantly better results in Group II than in Group I. The comparison of thigh circumference adjusted by weight showed that Group II was significantly larger than Group I, but there was no difference in calf circumference adjusted by weight. Both left and right knee extension strength showed significantly better power in Group II than in Group I, while there was no difference in flexion strength between the two groups. The simple correlation test showed a significant positive correlation between the adjusted values of thigh and calf circumference and serum testosterone levels, and the calf/thigh circumference value showed a significant negative correlation with serum testosterone levels. Left and right knee extension strength also showed a significant positive correlation with serum testosterone levels. Conclusions The circumference of a male's lower body, particularly the thigh, showed a correlation with serum testosterone levels, and in terms of lower body strength, knee extension strength showed a correlation with serum testosterone levels. A robust thigh and strong lower body strength were found to be closely related to testosterone, a symbol of masculinity. Disclosure No.

Do Strength and Anthropometric Size of the Lower Body Correlate with Serum Testosterone Levels?

Although lower body strength and size are often regarded as symbols of masculinity, their relationship to testosterone is unclear. This study aimed to determine the correlation between lower body strength, size, and testosterone levels. Serum testosterone levels, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) were measured in 69 men with erectile dysfunction (age >40 years). The circumferences of the thigh and calf were measured, and the muscle strength of the knee joints was evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer. Patients were classified into three groups according to testosterone levels (group 1, <230 ng/dL; group 2, 230 to 350 ng/dL; group 3, >350 ng/dL). Differences in calf and thigh circumference, bilateral knee extension, and flexion strength between the three groups were investigated using a one-way analysis of variance. Pearson's chi-square test was used to assess differences in lifestyle habits and underlying diseases. A partial correlation analysis was conducted to determine the association between testosterone levels and lower body size and strength. There was no difference in BMI among the three groups, but waist circumference was significantly larger in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. When comparing weight-adjusted values, bilateral thigh circumference showed a significant difference among the three groups. There was also a significant difference between the three groups in the weight-adjusted left calf circumference and in the weight-adjusted right knee extension strength. The partial correlation test showed a significant positive correlation between thigh and calf circumference values adjusted for weight and serum testosterone levels. Weight-adjusted knee extension strength demonstrated a significant positive correlation with serum testosterone levels. Weight-adjusted thigh and calf circumferences, along with the thigh-to-waist ratio, showed a positive correlation with testosterone levels. Weight-adjusted knee extension strength was positively correlated with testosterone levels. Therefore, a robust thigh and strong lower body are related to testosterone.

Lifestyle-related habits and factors before and after cardiovascular diagnosis: a case control study among 2,548 Swedish individuals

BackgroundHealthy lifestyle habits are recommended in prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is limited knowledge concerning the change in lifestyle-related factors from before to after a CVD event. Thus, this study aimed to explore if and how lifestyle habits and other lifestyle-related factors changed between two health assessments in individuals experiencing a CVD event between the assessments, and if changes varied between subgroups of sex, age, educational level, duration from CVD event to second assessment and type of CVD event.MethodsAmong 115,504 Swedish employees with data from two assessments of occupational health screenings between 1992 and 2020, a total of 637 individuals (74% men, mean age 47 ± SD 9 years) were identified having had a CVD event (ischemic heart disease, cardiac arrythmia or stroke) between the assessments.Cases were matched with controls without an event between assessments from the same database (ratio 1:3, matching with replacement) by sex, age, and time between assessment (n = 1911 controls). Lifestyle habits included smoking, active commuting, exercise, diet, alcohol intake, and were self-rated. Lifestyle-related factors included overall stress, overall health (both self-rated), physical capacity (estimated by submaximal cycling), body mass index and resting blood pressure. Differences in lifestyle habits and lifestyle-related factors between cases and controls, and changes over time, were analysed with parametric and non-parametric tests. Multiple logistic regression, OR (95% CI) was used to analyse differences in change between subgroups.ResultsCases had, in general, a higher prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle habits as well as negative life-style related factors prior to the event compared to controls. Nevertheless, cases improved their lifestyle habits and lifestyle factors to a higher degree than controls, especially their amount of active commuting (p = 0.025), exercise (p = 0.009) and non-smoking (p < 0.001). However, BMI and overall health deteriorated to a greater extent (p < 0.001) among cases, while physical capacity (p < 0.001) decreased in both groups.ConclusionThe results indicate that a CVD event may increase motivation to improve lifestyle habits. Nonetheless, the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle habits was still high, emphasizing the need to improve implementation of primary and secondary CVD prevention.

Sex differences in risk factors for metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and senior hospital employees: a population-based cohort study

BackgroundSeveral cross-sectional studies have reported risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, these studies did not focus on sex differences in middle-aged and senior populations or employ a longitudinal design. These study design differences are important, as there are sex differences in lifestyle habits associated with MetS, and middle-aged and senior individuals have increased MetS susceptibility. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether sex differences influenced MetS risk over a ten-year follow-up period among middle-aged and senior hospital employees.MethodsThis population-based and prospective cohort study enrolled 565 participants who did not have MetS in 2012 for a ten-year repeated-measurement analysis. Data were retrieved from the hospital’s Health Management Information System. Analyses included Student’s t tests, χ2 tests and Cox regression. P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.ResultsMale middle-aged and senior hospital employees had an elevated MetS risk (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.936, p < 0.001). Men with more than four family history risk factors had an increased risk of MetS (HR = 1.969, p = 0.010). Women who worked shift duty (HR = 1.326, p = 0.020), had more than two chronic diseases (HR = 1.513, p = 0.012), had three family history risk factors (HR = 1.623, p = 0.010), or chewed betel nuts (HR = 9.710, p = 0.002) had an increased risk of MetS.ConclusionsThe longitudinal design of our study improves the understanding of sex differences in MetS risk factors in middle-aged and senior adults. A significantly elevated risk of MetS over the ten-year follow-up period was associated with male sex, shift work, the number of chronic diseases, the number of family history risk factors, and betel nut chewing. Women who chewed betel nuts had an especially increased risk of MetS. Our study indicates that population-specific studies are important for the identification of subgroups susceptible to MetS and for the implementation of hospital-based strategies.

Impact of gender differences on lifestyle and glycemic control in Japanese patients with diabetes during COVID-19 lockdowns

AimsThe COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed global lifestyles. Some reports about lifestyle changes during this pandemic have been published. However, these studies have not assessed gender differences. Thus, we analyzed three lifestyle changes to determine gender differences. MethodsWe analyzed physical activity, snacking habits, and drinking habits in 323 patients with diabetes. Gender differences in lifestyle habits were analyzed using the ꭓ2 test, and comparisons of HbA1c between 2019 and 2020 were analyzed using the paired t-test. The factors that influenced the deterioration of HbA1c were determined using multivariate logistic regression analyses. ResultsOf the 323 patients, 212 were male and 111 were female. When examined by quarter, the HbA1c values increased significantly in 2020 compared with that in 2019 in the July–September period. In terms of gender differences in the changes of lifestyle habits, decreased physical activity was higher in women. The factors that affected deterioration in HbA1c were snacking habits for the overall and the male populations. ConclusionsThe lifestyle changes differed between the genders during the pandemic. A balanced diet is important for all patients with diabetes. Additionally, more attention should be paid to physical inactivity in women.

A pilot study to evaluate the impact of digital imaging on the delivery of oral hygiene instruction

AimsTo determine whether personalised Oral Hygiene Advice (OHA) using an intra-oral-camera (IOC) combined with standard OHA as provided in general dental practice reduces plaque levels after 4 weeks more than the provision of standard OHA. Materials and Methods22 healthy adult participants diagnosed with gingivitis took part in this pilot parallel-designed, randomised, examiner-blind, 2x-treatment, study regarding their home-care oral hygiene habits and attitudes to oral health. An IOC-image was taken and plaque, gingival and bleeding scores were recorded. Test group participants received standard OHA with IOC-images to indicate areas for improvement, control group participants received standard OHA. Questionnaires and plaque, gingival and bleeding scores were repeated after 4 weeks. Plaque was scored from the IOC-images and scores compared to clinical plaque scores. ResultsLifestyle habits, attitudes to oral health, plaque (0.63vs0.61, control vs test) and bleeding scores (1.17vs0.96, control vs test) were similar at baseline. After 4-weeks, plaque scores improved more in test as compared to control group (39.4vs20.6%, p<0.05, while gingival and bleeding scores approached significance. There was no difference in lifestyle habits between groups, but the test group reported significantly greater confidence in adhering to their bespoke oral health plan. Agreement between the clinical and IOC plaque scores was good. ConclusionsUse of IOC further personalises the prevailing standard of oral hygiene advice and generates great patient engagement with pictorial reports to facilitate a more in-depth patient explanation of their gingival health, resulting in significant plaque reduction and improved gingival health compared to the standard OHA alone.

Impact of Guidelines on Hypertension Control in the Elderly.

Hypertension control is a crucial measure to reduce cardiovascular (CV) risk, and blood pressure (BP) treatment targets have been recently revised to address this issue. However, achieving the recommended goal may be challenging. We aimed to assess the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension, according to the US hypertension guidelines, among elderly participants in an Italian nationwide epidemiological survey, the relevant clinical correlates, and the agreement with the application of the European guidelines. Elderly (≥65y) volunteers enrolled in an Italian nationwide survey underwent BP measurement using standard protocols. Uncontrolled hypertension was defined as BP≥130/80 mmHg. Agreement of this definition with those from European guidelines (≥140/90 mmHg; ≥140/80 mmHg) was tested using Cohen's kappa. Selfreported information on modifiable/non-modifiable CV risk factors was also collected. Of the 13,162 treated hypertensive elderly, 69.8% had uncontrolled hypertension. They tended to be overweight/obese men with diabetes. Overall agreement between US and European guidelines was poor to good (κ = 0.289, p<0.001 and κ = 0.691, p<0.001 based on the 140/90 and 140/80 mmHg threshold, respectively). Elderly participants with controlled hypertension were more likely to report a history of CV or chronic kidney disease. No difference in lifestyle habits was observed by BP control status. Real-world data identify limited concordance between guidelines in terms of BP target achievement among older hypertensive Italians and highlights the need to spread awareness of the CV risk, especially in the presence of diabetes and obesity.

Influent Constituent Characteristics of the Modern Waste Stream from Single Sources: Literature Review

A literature review was conducted to assess the current status of knowledge on the composition of raw wastewater and primary treated effluent (i.e., septic tank effluent) from single source onsite wastewater systems. The overall goal of this research project is to characterize the extent of conventional constituents, microbial constituents, and organic wastewater contaminants in single source onsite raw wastewater and primary treated effluent to aid onsite wastewater system design and management. Information obtained was evaluated using cumulative frequency distributions to compare individual constituent concentrations in various waste streams and by using data qualifiers to enable assessment of parameters that might affect single source waste stream composition. To supplement information on the single source raw wastewater and primary treated effluent composition, state agencies responsible for onsite wastewater regulation were contacted to assess the prevalence of different system types installed and in operation. Selected demographics that capture differences in lifestyle habits that could affect raw wastewater composition were also assessed. A large amount of data was captured by this literature review, however information gaps were identified. The information presented here will be used to guide future project monitoring and assessment of modern raw wastewater waste streams. This title belongs to WERF Research Report Series ISBN: 9781843397731 (eBook)

Dairy products are differently related to plasma lipids and cardiovascular risk, depending on their fat content

Purpose: Fat content of dairy foods is diverse, potentially leading to varying effects on cardiovascular risk. We studied relationships of low- and high-fat dairy products with lipids and level of cardiovascular risk, in a cross-sectional population survey conducted in three French areas. Methods: A sample of 3078 participants aged 35-64 years, was randomly selected in 2005-2007 by drawing on polling lists. Participants underwent a standardised cardiovascular risk assessment and were asked to prospectively record the types and amounts of foods and beverages they consumed over a three-consecutive day period. All records were checked by a dietician. Dairy products were separated into two groups: the low-fat group comprised milk (including milk from desserts and beverages), yogurts and cottage cheese, whereas other cheeses formed the high-fat group. The SCORE algorithm was used to assess 10-year risk of cardiovascular mortality. Results: The sample included 50% of men and women with a median age of 50.4 years. The median levels of lipids were 5.67 mmol/l (total cholesterol), 3.56 mmol/l (LDL-cholesterol), 1.42 mmol/l (HDL-cholesterol) and 1.12 mmol/l (triglycerides). Forty three percent of the sample had a 10-year risk of cardiovascular mortality ≥ 2%. After adjustment (including level of education, physical activity and a diet quality score), the probability of an increased 10-year risk of cardiovascular mortality (SCORE ≥ 2%) decreased from the bottom first to the top fourth quartile (Q) of low-fat dairy product intake: ORQ1 (odds ratio)=1; ORQ2=0.74 [95% confidence interval: 0.60-0.91], ORQ3=0.65 [0.52-0.80], and ORQ4=0.58 [0.47-0.72] for the first, second, third and fourth quartile, respectively. Results were notably different for high-fat dairy product intake: ORQ2=1.04 [0.84-1.28]; ORQ3=0.96 [0.78-1.19]; ORQ4=1.23 [1.00-1.52]. Intake of low-fat dairy products was inversely associated with low LDL-cholesterol, but no significant relationship was found with HDL-cholesterol or triglycerides. None of the lipid parameters was significantly associated with the consumption of high-fat dairy products. Conclusions: Participants with the highest intake of low-fat dairy products were at the lowest risk of cardiovascular mortality, as assessed by the SCORE equation, and they exhibited the best LDL-cholesterol profile. Despite extensive adjustment, this observation may still be related to differences in lifestyle habits. No significant association was observed between cardiovascular risk and high-fat dairy products.

Association between cancer screening behavior and family history among Japanese women

ObjectiveTo examine lifestyle habits and cancer screening behavior in relation to a family history of cancer among Japanese women. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted based on baseline data from the Japan Nurses' Health Study collected from June 2001 to March 2007. Participants were 47,347 female nurses aged 30–59years residing in 47 prefectures in Japan. We compared lifestyle habits and the utilization of cancer screenings (cervical and breast) between women with and without a family history of the relevant cancer. ResultsAlthough there were no differences in lifestyle habits with the exception of smoking status, women with a family history of uterine cancer were more likely to have undergone cervical cancer screenings (p<0.01). Women with a family history of breast cancer were also more likely to have undergone breast cancer screenings regardless of their age (p<0.01), but lifestyle behaviors did not differ. Among women with a family history of uterine cancer, those with a sister history were more likely to have undergone not only cervical (OR, 1.89; 95% CIs, 1.39–2.58), but also breast cancer screenings (OR, 1.54; 95% CIs 1.13–2.09). ConclusionHaving a family history of cancer was associated with cancer screening behavior, but not health promotive behaviors.

Self-elimination of risk factors for recurrent vaginal candidosis

Women suffering from recurrent vulvo-vaginal candidosis (RVC) often follow medical and non-medical advices to diminish the severity and frequency of the recurrences, but the impact of such interventions is unclear. The aim of this study was to identify differences in life style habits of women with RVC compared with normal women and to define which changes have influenced the frequency of recurrences in these women. Fifty-one women with RVC and 51 age-matched control women without a history of RVC were sent a questionnaire. History of allergic disease (OR 2.8) and use of corticoids (OR 5) were more frequent in patients with RVC than controls. When interrogated about beneficial changes introduced in their life style habits, lowering the intake of sugars, preventing perineum humidity and stopping contraceptive pills were factors offering substantial improvement. Apart from an increased risk of having an allergic constitution, no differences in the medical history or life style habits were evident between women with RVC and healthy women. However, women with RVC have introduced several changes in life style habits that proved beneficial to them. Among these changes, lowering intake of sugars, preventing perineum humidity and stopping oral contraceptives were the most important.

Influent Constituent Characteristics of the Modern Waste Stream from Single Sources

A literature review was conducted to assess the current status of knowledge on the composition of raw wastewater and primary treated effluent (i.e., septic tank effluent) from single source onsite wastewater systems. The overall goal of this research project is to characterize the extent of conventional constituents, microbial constituents, and organic wastewater contaminants in single source onsite raw wastewater and primary treated effluent to aid onsite wastewater system design and management. Information obtained was evaluated using cumulative frequency distributions to compare individual constituent concentrations in various waste streams and by using data qualifiers to enable assessment of parameters that might affect single source waste stream composition. To supplement information on the single source raw wastewater and primary treated effluent composition, state agencies responsible for onsite wastewater regulation were contacted to assess the prevalence of different system types installed and in operation. Selected demographics that capture differences in lifestyle habits that could affect raw wastewater composition were also assessed. A large amount of data was captured by this literature review, however information gaps were identified. The information presented here will be used to guide future project monitoring and assessment of modern raw wastewater waste streams.This title belongs to WERF Research Report Series.ISBN: 9781843393511 (Print)ISBN: 9781780403519 (eBook)

Prevalence of CYP1A1 and GST Polymorphisms in the Population of Northeastern India and Susceptibility of Oral Cancer

Individual cancer susceptibility is the result of several host factors, including differences in lifestyle habits and genetic susceptibility. There is a correlation between CYP1A1 polymorphism (MspI) and oral cancer susceptibility. Individuals carrying the deletions of GSTM1 and GSTT1 are at high risk of developing oral cancers. In the present study on healthy tribal and nontribal individuals of Assam, we found that the genetic variation of GSST polymorphisms is evident (p = 0.20) with differential dose of toxic exposure. Prevalence of different polymorphic alleles of CYP1A1 also proves the same result. A mini-case-control study with very small sample size showed no marked increase in the risk of developing oral cancer as the frequencies of the studied GST genotypes did not show any statistical significance. But GSTT1-null genotypes were found to have higher risk of developing leukoplakia (OR 1.94, 95% CI 2.61-18.54). CYP1A1 genotype m2 allele was also not found to be associated with the risk of developing leukoplakias in the population.

GST &amp; CYP Polymorphism Related to Tea Drinking and Oral Pathology

KEYWORDS Micronuclei; oral carcinoma; leukoplakia; CYP; GSST; polymorphism ABSTRACT Individual cancer susceptibility is the result of several host factors, including differences in life-style habits and genetic susceptibility. There is a correlation between CYP1A1 polymorphism ( Msp I) and oral cancer susceptibility. Individuals carrying the deletions of GSTM1 and GSTT1 are at high risk of developing oral cancers. Again an increased risk of oral carcinoma is indicated by an increased micronuclei frequency. In the present study on tribal and non-tribal population of Assam, CYPm2m2 genotypes were found in about 14.05% cases having leukoplakia and other oral problems. In the same cases GSST null genotypes were found to be 24.35%. In comparison to the controls the micronuclei frequencies were found to be one fold increased for the cases. In spite of having heavy exposure to the carcinogens due to tobacco chewing and bidi smoking, regular tea drinking is decreasing the risk of developing cancer to very little extent.

Bone mass in young adults with Down syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is a frequent cause of intellectual disability. With the increasing life expectancy of these patients, concerns have been raised about the risk of osteoporosis. In fact, several investigators have reported a reduced bone mass in DS. However, the results may be confounded by comorbid diseases, and differences in lifestyle habits and body size. Therefore, we planned to determine anthropometric and lifestyle factors influencing bone mineral density (BMD) in young adults with DS. Thirty-nine patients with DS (mean age 26 years) and 78 controls were studied. Areal BMD was measured by dual x-ray densitometry (DXA); volumetric BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck was estimated with published formulae. DS patients had lower areal BMD than controls at all regions (spine, hip and total body). Height and projected bone area were also lower. There were no differences between both groups regarding estimated volumetric BMD at the femoral neck. However, spine volumetric BMD was also lower in DS than controls. In multivariate analysis, DS, male sex, little physical activity and low sunlight exposure were associated with lower spine volumetric BMD; on the other hand, fat mass and sunlight exposure were associated with femoral neck volumetric BMD. This study shows that patients with DS had a reduced areal BMD, but it is in part a consequence of the reduced body size, particularly at the femoral neck. Physical activity and sunlight exposure are associated to volumetric BMD and should be stimulated in order to maintain an adequate bone mass in these patients.