Inactivity In Women Research Articles

Six-year mortality associated with living alone and loneliness in Swedish men and women born in 1930

BackgroundThis study examined how living alone and loneliness associate with all-cause mortality in older men and women.MethodsBaseline data from the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Studies, including 70-year-olds interviewed in 2000 and 75-year-olds (new recruits) interviewed in 2005 were used for analyses (N = 778, 353 men, 425 women). Six-year mortality was based on national register data.ResultsAt baseline, 36.6% lived alone and 31.9% reported feelings of loneliness. A total of 72 (9.3%) participants died during the 6-year follow-up period. Cumulative mortality rates per 1000 person-years were 23.9 for men and 9.6 for women. Mortality was increased more than twofold among men who lived alone compared to men living with someone (HR 2.40, 95% CI 1.34–4.30). Elevated risk remained after multivariable adjustment including loneliness and depression (HR 2.56, 95% CI 1.27–5.16). Stratification revealed that mortality risk in the group of men who lived alone and felt lonely was twice that of their peers who lived with someone and did not experience loneliness (HR 2.52, 95% CI 1.26–5.05). In women, a more than fourfold increased risk of mortality was observed in those who experienced loneliness despite living with others (HR 4.52, 95% CI 1.43–14.23).ConclusionsLiving alone was an independent risk factor for death in men but not in women. Mortality was doubled in men who lived alone and felt lonely. In contrast, mortality was particularly elevated in women who felt lonely despite living with others. In the multivariable adjusted models these associations were attenuated and were no longer significant after adjusting for mainly depression in men and physical inactivity in women. Gender needs to be taken into account when considering the health consequences of living situation and loneliness.

The Role of Self-Efficacy and Activity Patterns in the Physical Activity Levels of Women with Fibromyalgia.

Keeping high levels of physical activity is a challenge among chronic patients. In this regard, self-efficacy has been identified as a crucial variable to reduce sedentarism and physical inactivity in women with fibromyalgia. The current study aimed to evaluate the associations among objective physical activity levels, self-efficacy, activity patterns, and the impact of the disease, as well as to compare those variables between women with fibromyalgia with different self-efficacy levels. For this purpose, in this cross-sectional study, the physical activity levels of 123 women with fibromyalgia were assessed by accelerometers, together with self-efficacy, the impact of the disease, and activity patterns. Results revealed that self-efficacy for light or moderate physical activity was directly related to light (p < 0.01), moderate (p < 0.01), and vigorous physical activity (p < 0.05), as well as inversely related to sedentary time (p < 0.01). Moreover, the main differences were observed between those with low self-efficacy levels and the rest of the sample, while there were no differences between the high and the medium self-efficacy groups (p > 0.05). Thus, self-efficacy for walking and light physical activity seems to be more relevant than self-efficacy for moderate and vigorous physical activity to achieve higher levels of physical activity.

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.

Mental Stress and Multiple Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases with Regional Variations in Women of Urban and Rural Areas of Sindh, Pakistan

Introduction: The high prevalence of risk factors in women in developing countries of South Asia appears to have been translated into early and severe CHD in contrast to their counterpart in the first world nations, which has been related to obesity and insulin resistance and genetically determined increased lipoprotein Lp(a) levels. Mental stress due to urbanization, sedentary life style and physical inactivity may be the most important factor initiating obesity and the clustering of all other risk factors hypertension, dyslipidaemia and (WHR). These risk factors vary in different regions of South Asia. Aims and Objectives: Our aim of the study was to describe and analyse differences between the frequency of risk factors such as psychological stress due to, socio-economical aspects, life style especially physical activity, and health behaviours which may contribute in the course of CAD in women of both rural and urban areas of Pakistan because no such significant data is available in women with CAD. Study Design: This descriptive cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in Cardiology Department of Dow University of Health and Sciences Karachi, Pakistan, from March 2014 to March 2016 by filling a questionnaire and laboratory data. The study group comprised female subjects around 577 (Urban 347 {60.1%} and Rural 230 {39.9%}) women ranged from 25-65 years of age who underwent coronary angiography and had definite coronary atherosclerotic diseases. Our study was conducted by examining the psychological stress in women of both areas and its strength of association with frequency of other risk factors in female patients of urban and rural areas with definite CHD taking account the difference in age and education level into account. Result: Analysis of this study conducted at department of Cardiology in Dow University Karachi from March 2014 to March 2017 revealed that the women of rural area were comparatively more physically active then women of urban area. Prevalence of mental stress, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, higher BMI, hyperlipidaemia (especially TC) waist and hip circumference of both areas were found to be different after adjustment made for age. A considerable association was found between psychological stress and other factors in ischemic heart disease patients showing the p-value (p=0.043). Psychological stress was found 82% in both groups and (13%) women had no stress rated as normal more in rural (26%) vs (04%) in urban population. Physical inactivity in women with CHD was found in 92% urban in contrast to 45% in rural population, (p=0.009). Hypertension prevalence was more in urban 253 in comparison to 151 women in rural area. Diabetes Mellitus was also found more in urban than rural population, especially in age below 50, 79 (23%) urban vs 60 (26%) in rural population. Women beyond 50 years of age, 85 (24%) urban vs 64 (27%) rural area had prevalence of obesity comparatively higher in urban residents 71 (20%) than 44(%) in rural dwellers and 32 (9%) urban vs 16 (7%) in rural women in age range below 50 years. Higher waist circumstance was observed more in urban residents (4.8 cm) whereas BMI was more (1.8 unit) in women of rural area than urban women. Prevalence of smoking and nicotine chewing was relatively higher in urban population in below 50 years of age with 30 (09%) urban vs 13 (05%) in rural women and in age beyond 50, 11 (03%) urban vs 10 (04%) in rural women was witnessed. Average total cholesterol, serum triglycerides and LDL were found to be higher in urban compared to rural area residents and HDL was comparatively lower in urban area group. Mean cholesterol level was seen at average of 353 mg% in urban vs 223 mg% in rural population. Serum cortisol level showed significant variation in urban group 19.1 vs 14.2 in rural group (sample, as well as serum fibrinogen was raised more raised in urban population). Conclusion: Our study shows increased prevalence of mental stress and physical inactivity in female residents of urban area leading to Higher blood pressure, DM, dyslipidaemia and central obesity specially in Waist circumference than rural area. The mental stress induced by excessive demands of work at home and at working place with too little control is not unique to women of urban areas.

Inequality in physical activity, global trends by income inequality and gender in adults

BackgroundPhysical inactivity is a global pandemic associated with a high burden of disease and premature mortality. There is also a trend in growing economic inequalities which impacts population health. There is no global analysis of the relationship between income inequality and population levels of physical inactivity.MethodsTwo thousand sixteen World Health Organisation’s country level data about compliance with the 2010 global physical activity guidelines were analysed against country level income interquantile ratio data obtained from the World Bank, OECD and World Income Inequality Database. The analysis was stratified by country income (Low, Middle and High) according to the World Bank classification and gender. Multiple regression was used to quantify the association between physical activity and income inequality. Models were adjusted for GDP and percentage of GDP spent on health care for each country and out of pocket health care spent.ResultsSignificantly higher levels of inactivity and a wider gap between the percentage of women and men meeting global physical activity guidelines were found in countries with higher income inequality in high and middle income countries irrespective of a country wealth and spend on health care. For example, in higher income countries, for each point increase in the interquantile ratio data, levels of inactivity in women were 3.73% (CI 0.89 6.57) higher, levels of inactivity in men were 2.04% (CI 0.08 4.15) higher and the gap in inactivity levels between women and men was 1.50% larger (CI 0.16 2.83). Similar relationships were found in middle income countries with lower effect sizes. These relationships were, however, not demonstrated in the low-income countries.ConclusionsEconomic inequalities, particularly in high- and middle- income countries might contribute to physical inactivity and might be an important factor to consider and address in order to combat the global inactivity pandemic and to achieve the World Health Organisation target for inactivity reduction.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC-GENDER DISBALANCES IN GEORGIA

Introduction and aim According to the policy towards gender equality, Georgia has become one of the most reformed countries in the Caucasus. Despite the fact that many steps have been taken in this regard, the problems are still in the society. The main objective of the study is to identify and analyze gender imbalances in the country on the background of gender stereotypes in the context of civil cognitive levels. Research methodology: In development of the article, generally accepted qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods of the economic science were employed, among them, statistical data processing, data grouping, inductive deductive data analysis methods. The scientific study employs surveying, observation, as well as comparative, analytical, and graphical methods, which are used by the author to compare and analyze facts and assess solutions to specific issues. Results and implications: The paper considers the gender aspects of Discussion of inequality problems in Georgia. Besides, the trends of unemployment and their reasons are identified and the international instruments of protection of human rights regulating the equality between the men and the women in Georgia are considered. In addition, based on the statistical data, is given the analysis of employment and unemployment in a gender respect; a particular accent is made on the need of International practice of gender protection. Conclusion: Stereotypical views on gender roles still exist in Georgia: the function of women is the care and upbringing of children, doing homework, and man-taking care of family finances. The fact is that more men employed in Georgia than women. The level of inactivity in women is almost twice as high as in men with a similar indicator of 42.0% and 21.8% respectively. In 2017, unemployment rate for women Increased by 1.8 percentage points to 12.7 percent, and for men decreased by 1.6 percentage points and by 15 percent. Changes for to the same period are also indicators of activity level. The level of activity increased realised by 1.5 percentage points for women and decreased by 2.8 percentage points for men and 58.2 percent and 74.6 percent respectively. Interesting trends are shown by employment indicators according to age marks. The number of men employed by the 45-54 age group is significantly higher than the number of women employed for the whole nine years, indicating the employment rate of women, especially in the 15-24 age group where the number of men employed is twice as high as the number of women employed. It is also true that the average level of compensation for women is lower than men. Their rates of growth are also different.

Gender-Based Differences in Anxiety and Depression Following Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BackgroundAmong patients with heart disease, depression and anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and persistent. Both depression and anxiety play a significant role in cardiovascular disease progression and are acknowledged to be independent risk factors. However, there is very little gender-related analysis concerning cardiovascular diseases and emotional disorders.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate depression and anxiety levels in patients suffering from myocardial infarction [MI] within the first month after the MI and to assess the association between cardiovascular disease risk factors, demographic indicators and emotional disorders, as well as to determine whether there are gender-based differences or similarities.MethodsThis survey included demographic questions, clinical characteristics, questions about cardiovascular disease risk factors and the use of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]. All statistical tests were two-sided, and p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsIt was determined that 71.4% of female and 60.4% of male patients had concomitant anxiety and/or depression symptomatology (p = 0.006). Using men as the reference point, women had an elevated risk of having some type of psychiatric disorder (odds ratio, 2.86, p = 0.007). The HADS-D score was notably higher in women (8.66 ± 3.717) than men (6.87 ± 4.531, p = 0.004). It was determined that male patients who developed depression were on average younger than those without depression (p = 0.005).ConclusionsWomen demonstrated an elevated risk of having anxiety and/or depression disorder compared to men. Furthermore, depression severity increased with age in men, while anxiety severity decreased. In contrast, depression and anxiety severity was similar for women of all ages after the MI. A higher depression score was associated with diabetes and physical inactivity, whereas a higher anxiety score was associated with smoking in men. Hypercholesterolemia was associated with both higher anxiety and depression scores, and a higher depression score was associated with physical inactivity in women.

Shifting the Physical Inactivity Curve Worldwide by Closing the Gender Gap.

The aims of this study were to (i) examine gender differences in physical inactivity in countries with different levels of Human Development Index (HDI); and (ii) assess whether small changes in the prevalence of inactivity in women could achieve the World Health Organization's (WHO) global inactivity target. Data on inactivity were extracted for 142 countries for the year 2010 from the WHO Data Repository. Data for HDI were obtained for the year 2010 from the United Nations Development Program. Absolute and relative gender differences were calculated for countries according to four HDI categories. The potential effects of increasing women's activity levels on achievement of the WHO physical inactivity target were computed. Overall inactivity prevalence was higher in women (27%) than in men (20%). Women were more inactive than men in all except eight countries. Absolute gender differences [median 7.5% (range -10.1 to 33.2)] did not vary by HDI category, but there was a small negative correlation between relative gender difference in inactivity and HDI (rho -0.19; p=0.02), which was mostly influenced by three outlier countries with low HDI. A decrease in inactivity levels of 4.8% points among women across the world would achieve the WHO target of reducing global levels of inactivity by 10%. Gender differences in the prevalence of physical inactivity were highly variable, both within and across categories of HDI. Interventions which result in small changes in inactivity prevalence in women would achieve the 2025 WHO global target for inactivity, without any change to the prevalence in men.

Health Consequences of Physical Inactivity in Women

Health Consequences of Physical Inactivity in Women

Lifetime socioeconomic status and health-related risk behaviors: the ELSA-Brazil study

Our objective was to investigate the association between lifetime socioeconomic status and intra-generational social mobility and low consumption of fruits and vegetables, leisure-time physical inactivity, and smoking among 13,216 men and women participating in the baseline of the ELSA-Brazil study (2008-2010). Socioeconomic status in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood was measured by maternal schooling, socio-occupational class of the first occupation, and socio-occupational class of the current occupation, respectively. Social disadvantages in adulthood were consistently associated with higher prevalence of the three behaviors analyzed in men and women. However, socioeconomic status in youth and childhood was less consistently associated with the behaviors. For example, while low maternal schooling reduced the odds of past smoking (women) and current smoking (men and women), it was associated with higher odds of leisure-time physical inactivity in women. Meanwhile, low socioeconomic status in youth increased the odds of past smoking (men and women) and current smoking (women). Analysis of social trajectories lent additional support to the relevance of disadvantages in adulthood for risk behaviors, since only individuals that rose to the high socio-occupational class did not show higher odds of these behaviors when compared to participants that had always belonged to the high socio-occupational class. Our findings indicate that socioeconomic disadvantages in adulthood appear to be more relevant for risk behaviors than disadvantages in childhood and adolescence.

Gender career divide and women's disadvantage in depressive symptoms and physical limitations in France

This study investigated the relationship between women's disadvantage in mental health and physical functioning and gender differences in career backgrounds. Sexual division of labor persists and key career characteristics are overrepresented in women: low-skilled first job, downward occupational trajectory, interruptions. These interrelated characteristics are usually linked to poor health. Their overrepresentation in women may be related to the female-male health gap; however, it may not if overrepresentation transposed into substantially weaker associations with poor health outcomes. To address this question, we used the French population survey “Health and Occupational Trajectories” (2006) and focused on 45–74 year-old individuals who ever worked (n=7537). Past career characteristics were qualified by retrospective information. Logistic regressions identified past characteristics related to current depressive symptoms and physical limitations. Non-linear decomposition showed whether these characteristics contributed to the gender health gap, through their different distribution and/or association with health. The overrepresentation of unskilled first jobs, current and past inactivity and unemployment in women contributed to their excess depressive symptoms. These contributions were only slightly reduced by the weaker mental health-relatedness of current inactivity in women and increased by the stronger relatedness of low-skilled and self-employed first jobs. Overrepresentation of current inactivity, past interruptions and downward trajectories also contributed positively to women's excess physical limitations. Gender-specific career backgrounds were significantly linked to women's disadvantage in mental health and physical functioning. We need to further explore whether equalization of opportunities, especially at the early stages and in terms of career continuity, could help to reduce women’s mental and physical health disadvantage.

Burden of physical inactivity and hospitalization costs due to chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the physical inactivity-related inpatient costs of chronic non-communicable diseases.METHODS This study used data from 2013, from Brazilian Unified Health System, regarding inpatient numbers and costs due to malignant colon and breast neoplasms, cerebrovascular diseases, ischemic heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis. In order to calculate the share physical inactivity represents in that, the physical inactivity-related risks, which apply to each disease, were considered, and physical inactivity prevalence during leisure activities was obtained from Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílio (Brazil’s National Household Sample Survey). The analysis was stratified by genders and residing country regions of subjects who were 40 years or older. The physical inactivity-related hospitalization cost regarding each cause was multiplied by the respective share it regarded to.RESULTS In 2013, 974,641 patients were admitted due to seven different causes in Brazil, which represented a high cost. South region was found to have the highest patient admission rate in most studied causes. The highest prevalences for physical inactivity were observed in North and Northeast regions. The highest inactivity-related share in men was found for osteoporosis in all regions (≈ 35.0%), whereas diabetes was found to have a higher share regarding inactivity in women (33.0% to 37.0% variation in the regions). Ischemic heart diseases accounted for the highest total costs that could be linked to physical inactivity in all regions and for both genders, being followed by cerebrovascular diseases. Approximately 15.0% of inpatient costs from Brazilian Unified Health System were connected to physical inactivity.CONCLUSIONS Physical inactivity significantly impacts the number of patient admissions due to the evaluated causes and through their resulting costs, with different genders and country regions representing different shares.

The power of sweat: vigorous exercise is associated with improved outcomes in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) independent of total exercise volume

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommends 75 minutes of vigorous or 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. It is unclear if these options afford equivalent health benefits. We sought to determine the relative health benefits of moderate vs vigorous exercise compared to inactivity in women with PCOS.

Major Cardiovascular Risk Factors for Menopausal and Non-menopausal Women Compared with Men of the Same Age in Mashhad, Iran

Background: Menopause refers to the cessation of menstruation due to hormonal changes and ovarian inactivity in women. These changes in hormone levels lead to various health consequences. This period of physiological changes usually starts in women with 40-50 years of age, and is characterized by the reduction of estrogen level. The mortality rate of premenopausal women, due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), is one fifth of men, though it rapidly increases after the menopause. Therefore, this descriptive study was conducted in order to determine the cardiovascular risk factors for menopausal and non-menopausal women in comparison with men of the same age. Methods: The study sample included patients referring to the cardiovascular department of Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. The subjects were divided into 4 groups: non-menopausal women (n=35), men of the same age (as the non-menopausal women, n=35), menopausal women (n=50), and men of the same age (as the menopausal women, n=50). All criteria related to major cardiovascular risk factors including systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and low and high-density lipoprotein (LDL and HDL) were measured and compared in all four groups. In order to analyze the data, Fisher's exact test was carried out using SPSS version 16. Results: There was a significant difference between non-menopausal women and men of the same age with regard to high SBP and DBP, hypercholesterolemia, low HDL, and high LDL. However, no significant difference was observed among two groups, regarding high levels of TG. The menopausal women and men of the same age showed significant differences in terms of high SBP and low HDL. However, no differences were observed in DBP, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and high LDL. Conclusion: Both non-menopausal and menopausal women and men had significant differences in relation to high SBP and low HDL. But a significant difference regarding high DBP, hypercholesterolemia and high LDL was only seen in non-menopausal women and men.

Risk factors for chronic venous disease

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common problem in developing and developed countries. A cross-sectional study, conducted in two major towns in Serbia, comprised 3225 subjects over 18 years old, enrolled in the survey consecutively by general practitioners (GPs) within their normal framework. Diagnosis of CVD was made by GPs on the basis of symptoms and visual examination. Data on potential risk factors were collected by the use of a questionnaire. The prevalence of CVD was significantly higher in women (73.7%) than in men (70.1%), although severe forms of CVD were significantly more frequent in men. Risk factors for CVD were age, body mass index ≥ 25.00 kg/m(2), family history of CVD, history of blood clots in veins and ever-smoking in both sexes, and menopause, increased number of child births and physical inactivity in women. The results obtained suggest the possibility of CVD prevention by modification of some behavioural risk factors.

Case Oriented Approach to Co-Occurrence of Risk Lifestyle Behavior with Overweight, Excess Abdominal Fat and High Blood Pressure: The CroHort Study

Objective of this paper is to estimate interim risk factors (INTF) proportions and changes within 5-years of groups with at least one risk health behavior (BEHF) in CroHort population. Results show that CroHort 2008 group has higher proportions of excess abdominal fat and overweight. Men older than 65 without any BEHF have smaller proportions of INTF in 2008 than in 2003. Proportion of people with high blood pressure is smaller in 2008 for all groups except for young women who show increase. Analysis of middle age group shows significant increase in all INTF in women smokers while men smokers have the highest increase in abdominal fat. Physical inactivity in women is associated with increase of all INTF, while men have decrease in overweight INTF. Alcohol intake has protective effect on middle aged men, except for increase in waist circumference. Women show constant increase in all INTF with heavy alcohol intake.

Abstract P101: The Association of Hypertension and Antihypertension Medication Use with Sexual Health: A Study from the National Social Health and Aging Project (NSHAP)

Background Hypertension (HTN) and its treatment are commonly associated with sexual problems; yet, data are discordant in men and lacking in women. We investigated the association of HTN and its treatment with sexual health in older adults, and whether the association varied by gender and medication class. Methods Data are from the NSHAP, a nationally-representative observational study of men and women aged 57-85 yrs. Adults were stratified by HTN status: No HTN; HTN-Treated; and HTN-Untreated. HTN was defined by self-report or a mean blood pressure ≥140/90mmHg. HTN-Treated adults reported taking ≥1 of the following medications: diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium-channel blocker, ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and alpha blockers. We report the prevalence of partnered sexual activity and problems by HTN status. Models testing the association of medication class were examined, stratified by gender, and adjusted for other antihypertensive medication classes (Model 1), and Model 1 plus age, partner status, insurance, diabetes, heart disease, smoking, and functional status (Model 2). Results Comparing HTN-treated to HTN-Untreated and No HTN, the prevalence of sexual activity in men was 60.7% v. 74.3% v. 71.5% (p=.002) and in women 35.4% v. 38.3% v. 58.0% (p&lt;.001). The prevalence of sexual problems in men was 69.3% v. 53.8% v. 51.4% (p=.005) and in women 73.9% v. 66.7% v. 71.7% (p=.367). Most commonly cited were erectile problems (41%) in men with HTN. Diuretics (unadjusted: OR=0.68, p 0.02; Model 1: OR=0.69, p=.03; Model 2: OR=0.72, p=.17) and beta blockers (unadjusted: OR=0.69, p 0.02; Model 1: OR=0.67, p=.03; Model 2: OR=0.79, p=.33) were associated with sexual inactivity in men with treated HTN; diuretics, only, were associated with sexual inactivity in women (unadjusted: OR=0.81, p 0.25; Model 1: OR=0.76, p=.14; Model 2: OR=0.58, p=.02). There were no significant associations with sexual problems. Discussion HTN and its treatment are associated with sexual inactivity; diuretics more than other medication classes. In men but not women, treatment is also associated with sexual problems but medication class has no effect. More research investigating gender-specific mechanisms linking HTN and its treatment with sexual health is needed.

Bone mineral density and accelerometer-determined habitual physical activity and inactivity in postmenopausal women

Background: In postmenopausal women, physical activity appears to be important in preventing loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis and thus contributes to the reduction of fracture risk. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the differences in habitual physical activity, physical inactivity and meeting physical activity recommendations between women with normal femoral BMD and women with osteopenia. Methods: Out of the ninety-two postmenopausal women analyzed in this study, 72.8% women had normal femoral BMD and 27.2% women were osteopenic. Their BMD and body composition were measured using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. The region of interest was the total proximal femur. Seven days of physical activity were objectively assessed by using the ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer. Daily activity and inactivity logs were used for the participants to self-record their times (minutes) when the accelerometer was worn and follow activity and inactivity patterns. Results: Women with normal BMD spent significantly more hours/day being active than women with osteopenia. On theother hand, women with osteopenia perform significantly more household-related PA. According to the physical inactivity analysis, women with osteopenia spent significantly more minutes/week while doing different mental activities (reading, doing crossword puzzles, etc.) in a sitting position than women with normal BMD. Conclusions: In conclusion, the results of this study show the differences in physical activity and physical inactivity in women with different femoral BMD.

Keeping Women Active: An Examination of the Impacts of Self-Efficacy, Intrinsic Motivation, and Leadership on Women's Persistence in Physical Activity

Physical inactivity in women is a worldwide problem that has not only been well-documented but has provoked much government concern and policy activity. However, an even more important issue is encouraging women's persistence in physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the links between women's experiences of participation in a government-funded physical activity festival, their intentions to continue participation, and their participation behavior six months after the festival. Results from semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 20 women revealed that enhanced self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, and supportive leadership had motivated the women's future intentions to participate. Follow-up surveys showed their levels of interest and participation in physical activity had been maintained. These results enhance our understanding of the relationship between key outcomes of women's physical activity participation and their persistence in physical activity.

Physical inactivity as a global risk factor for chronic diseases in women

Social inequality, poverty and inequitable access to resources, including healthcare, result in a high burden of non-communicable diseases among women worldwide. Regular physical activity can improve women's health and help...