Physical Activity Knowledge Research Articles

Australian University Nursing and Allied Health Students' and Staff Physical Activity Promotion Preparedness and Knowledge: A Pre-Post Study Using an Educational Intervention.

The promotion of physical activity (PA) by health professionals is a key strategy to increase PA levels in the population. In this study, we investigated PA promotion, preparedness, and knowledge among university nursing and allied health students and staff, as well as PA resource usage within curricula, before and after an educational intervention. Students and staff from 13 health disciplines at one Australian university were invited to complete an online survey, and a curriculum audits were conducted before and after PA teaching resources were promoted by academic PA champions (n = 14). A total of 299 students and 43 staff responded to the survey pre-intervention, and 363 and 32 responded to the post-intervention, respectively. PA promotion role perception (≥93%) and confidence to provide general PA advice (≥70%) were high throughout the study. Knowledge of PA guidelines was poor (3–10%). Students of physiotherapy, sport and exercise science, as well as more active students, were more likely to be aware of the PA guidelines (p < 0.05). Over 12 months, PA promotion preparedness and knowledge did not change significantly, nor was there a change in the amount of PA content delivered, despite a significant increase in the use of the teaching resources across a number of disciplines (p = 0.007). Future research should be carried out to investigate the implementation of the resources over time and to develop additional strategies for PA promotion and education scaffolded across curricula.

Impact of Physical Best Warm-Up Activities on Elementary Students’ Physical Activity Levels and Knowledge

Daily physical activity (PA) benefits children’s and adolescents’ overall health while reducing the likelihood of obesity. Elementary school physical education (PE) classes provide opportunities for children and adolescents not only to participate in PA but also to build the knowledge and skills needed to be physically active across their lifetime. Physical Best (PB) is one program physical educators might use to develop students’ physical literacy and skills. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of PB program inclusion on elementary PE students’ PA levels and health-related fitness knowledge (HRFK). Three activity games were paired once with a PB fitness concept-based warm-up activity and once with a traditional warm-up activity for six lessons. PA levels of elementary school students (n = 75, 30 males, 45 females) were recorded with both movement tracking bracelets and heart monitors during these six PE lessons. Means were calculated for movements and time in and above target heart rate zone (TZ) by warm-up type (PB vs. traditional), sex, and grade level. An HRFK assessment given to students pre- and postintervention assessed changes in fitness knowledge. Repeated-measures analysis of variances were utilized in the comparison of sex and grade level differences in relation to movements, TZ minutes, and HRFK assessment scores. Overall, children had significantly more movements in the PB lessons compared with traditional lessons (p &lt; .05), while there was no difference in TZ minutes. HRFK assessment scores increased from pre- to postintervention (p &lt; .05). Children accrued more movements in PB warm-up lessons than in traditional warm-up lessons but exhibited no difference in PA intensity. Children also increased HRFK from pre- to post-PB experience.

Interdisciplinary Educational Interventions Improve Knowledge of Eating, Nutrition, and Physical Activity of Elementary Students.

This research aimed to evaluate the interdisciplinary educational intervention effects on knowledge of eating, nutrition, and physical activity in elementary-school students. Participants were 368 school children enrolled in public schools. The research was organized in three stages: pre-intervention, intervention and post-intervention. In pre-intervention, children were evaluated regarding their nutritional status. They also answered questionnaires related to eating and nutrition and physical activity. In the intervention stage, educational interventions were carried out on the same topics for a period of five months; in post-intervention, children answered the same questionnaires applied in pre-intervention. Despite most children having normal nutritional status (58.2%), a high number of students were overweight (38%). In the initial phase, it was found that most children had excellent knowledge of eating, nutrition, and good physical activity knowledge (p-value < 0.05). Educational health intervention significantly increased children’s knowledge of eating, nutrition, and physical activity, when evaluated in the post-intervention period. Both boys and girls increased their knowledge of eating, nutrition, and physical activity after the application of interdisciplinary interventions (p-value < 0.05). A similar effect was observed for children with different nutritional status. It is concluded that interdisciplinary educational interventions carried out for children in an elementary-school environment are effective for improving knowledge of eating, nutrition, and in physical activity, promoting healthier habits among children.

Use of a novel flipped classroom intervention to increase medical students’ knowledge of physical activity guidelines

Background: It is important medical students, as tomorrow’s doctors, have knowledge of physical activity (PA) guidelines. Previous data suggests only 14.9% of medical students knew adult PA guidelines. This study aimed to assess how a novel flipped classroom intervention impacted undergraduate medical students’ knowledge of PA guidelines and their confidence applying these in clinical practice. Methods and Results: This study utilised a prospective repeat measures quantitative design to evaluate the educational intervention. Survey results of the intervention group were compared to the comparison group. 45% of students who received the intervention knew adult guidelines, compared to 12% of students who did not receive the intervention (χ²(2, N = 244) = 33.07, p &lt; 0.001). 39% of the intervention group knew child guidelines, compared to 20% who did not receive the intervention (χ²(2, N = 244) = 10.59, p = 0.001). The intervention group felt more confident in PA training and asked for less PA training in the future. Conclusion: The results suggest a flipped classroom intervention had a positive impact on medical students’ knowledge of PA guidelines, and confidence in PA training. Further research is required to assess longer-term impacts of this teaching and follow-up the same year group pre- and post-intervention.

A randomised controlled trial on the effects of a structural education module among women with polycystic ovarian syndrome on nutrition and physical activity changes

BackgroundPolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic, endocrine and reproductive disorder that has a huge impact on the life of women. To ascertain the effectiveness of health education module among women with PCOS.MethodsThis single-centre, randomised controlled trial was conducted on female staff of the University Putra Malaysia who were diagnosed with PCOS. Subjects were randomly assigned into intervention (n = 34) and control group (n = 35). In the intervention group, they need to take part in 8 education sessions in total over 6 months, and feedback was collected at the end of the session.ResultsPrimary outcome was changes in knowledge, attitude and practise of nutrition. Secondary outcomes were eating attitude and behaviour as well as knowledge, attitude and practise towards physical activity. After 6-months of intervention, there was a significant difference observed in nutrition knowledge 1 score (p < 0.001) and nutrition knowledge 2 score (p = 0.01) between intervention and control groups. Similarly, there was a significant difference observed in international physical activity questionnaire score (p = 0.02) between intervention and control groups. However there was no significant changes for attitude and practice of nutrition, eating attitude as well as knowledge, attitude and practise of physical activity.ConclusionsOur study showed that 6-months of education intervention can improve nutrition and physical activity knowledge. Based on this study, the education module may be considered an effective intervention for women with PCOS.Trial registration: Name of the registry: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). Trial registration number: ACTRN12617000135314. Date of registration: 24/01/2017. URL of trial registry record: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372037

The knowledge, barriers and opportunities to improve nutrition and physical activity amongst young people attending an Australian youth mental health service: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundMental illnesses are the leading cause of disability in young people, and lifestyle interventions in young people at risk of mental illness remain a priority. Opportunities to improve nutrition and physical activity among young people through youth mental health services remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and behaviors towards nutrition and physical activity, the barriers and enablers to improving behaviors, and the preferred providers and sources of information for nutrition and physical activity among a sample of young people attending a youth mental health service.MethodsA mixed-method study was conducted in regional Tasmania, Australia in a sample of young people (15–25 years) attending a youth mental health service (headspace). A quantitative survey (n = 48) determined young people’s nutrition and physical activity knowledge, behaviors, barriers and enablers to achieving recommendations, and their preferred providers and sources of information. Structured interviews and a focus group further explored these concepts (n = 8), including the role of the mental health service as a provider of this support.ResultsThe majority of participants did not meet national recommendations for nutrition and physical activity, despite possessing a high level of knowledge regarding their importance for mental health. Improving mental health was a common enabling factor for participants choosing to alter diet and physical activity habits, but also the leading barrier for participating in physical activity. Young people wanted to receive information from reputable health providers, ideally through social media sources. headspace was seen as an important potential provider of this information.ConclusionsOur results indicate that there is a clear need to improve diet and physical activity habits to enhance mental and physical health outcomes in this at-risk group, and youth mental health services could provide further interventions to support their clients. Specialized staff (e.g. dietitians and exercise physiologists) may provide additional benefits alongside existing mental health care support.

Physical activity for health.

Physical activity plays a substantial role in maintaining people's good health and mental wellbeing, but that is not all: not only it positively affects the individuals' mental and physical health, but a lack of physical exercise exerts a negative impact also on the overall economy of a nation. In addition, physical inactivity not only increases the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCD), but also contributes significantly to the increased morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from these diseases. On the contrary, physical activity reduces the risk of NCDs - such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancer - in a dose-dependent manner; regular exercise is also associated with many health benefits and delayed mortality. However, understanding the role of physical activity in modern society and creating an awareness in the general population is one of the most important tasks of health and recreation promoters. Correspondingly, there is a dire need to enhance our knowledge, perception, and awareness of physical activity and its impacts on an individual's health, ultimately contributing to developing a healthy society. The current review will focus on the health benefits of the two most widely studied modifiable lifestyle risk factors, physical activity and diet, focusing particularly on the Mediterranean diet.

KNOWLEDGE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WITH BLOOD PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

This study determined the knowledge of physical activity on blood pressure distribution among Secondary School Students in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. A cross-sectional survey was employed for this study. Five research questions and 5 hypotheses guided the study. The instrument used for the study was validated by three experienced lecturers. The population for this study consisted of all secondary students in the area. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 264 senior secondary students from 6 schools as they were properly guided on the complete filing and return of the questionnaires titled, Physical Activity and Blood Pressure Questionnaire, (PABPQ). The reliability coefficient value obtained was r=0.763. Two hundred and sixty-four questionnaires were administered and had a return rate of 95%. Data obtained were analyzed using frequency and percentages to answer research questions and chi-square to test research hypotheses at .05 alpha levels. The findings of the study showed a high level of knowledge of physical activity on blood pressure among respondents. Also, knowledge of physical activity on blood pressure distribution based on class, age and gender of the students were indicated to be high. Based on the findings, it was thus recommended amongst others that there should be the inclusion of the practical aspect of physical activity into the school system, as more suitable physical activities should be taught at all levels of learning. Nevertheless, there is a need to put into practice this knowledge gained for optimal and healthy living.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0968/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Physical Activity and Sports Participation among Adolescents: Associations with Sports-Related Knowledge and Attitudes.

The impact of physical activity and sport on the development of adolescents’ knowledge and attitudes has not been studied sufficiently. We assume that young people with more knowledge of sports will continue to be physically active on their own. The aim of this study is to identify the differences in the sports and physical activity-related knowledge and attitudes of adolescents who engage in organised sports training and those who do not. A total of 1033 6th-grade students from (aged 12.7 ± 0.4 years) 52 schools in Estonia were involved in the study. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations between sports-related knowledge and attitudes towards students participating in organised sports training. The main reasons which hindered adolescents from being active were a lack of suitable equipment, being weaker than others, and laziness. Knowledge of physical activity, higher perceived benefits, and lower barriers to physical activity were the predictors contributing to adolescents’ participation in sports training. The results demonstrated that physically active students have better knowledge of sports and physical activity. Students participating in organised sports training have strong positive benefits from being regularly physically active and feel that sports training maintains their health.

Assessing adolescent diet and physical activity behaviour, knowledge and awareness in low- and middle-income countries: a systematised review of quantitative epidemiological tools

PurposeQuantitative epidemiological tools are routinely used to assess adolescent diet and physical activity (PA) constructs (behaviour, knowledge, and awareness) as risk factors for non-communicable diseases. This study sought to synthesize evidence on the quantitative epidemiological tools that have been used to assess adolescent diet and PA constructs in low to middle-income countries (LMIC).MethodsA systematised review was conducted using 3 databases (EbscoHost, Scopus and Web of Science).ResultsWe identified 292 LMIC studies assessing adolescent diet and PA. Identified studies predominantly explored behavioural (90%) constructs with a paucity of studies investigating knowledge and awareness. The majority of studies used subjective (94%) and self-administered (78%) tools. Only 39% of LMIC studies used tools validated for their contexts.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the need for more contextual tools for assessing adolescent diet and PA in LMICs. Diet and PA measurement tools used in future research will need to incorporate measures of knowledge and awareness for a more comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of diet and PA in adolescents. Furthermore, there is a need for more evidence on the reliability and validity of these tools for use, in both cross sectional and longitudinal studies, in LMIC contexts.

Inadequate fruits and vegetables consumption among Malaysian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the eating behaviours of people especially fruits and vegetable intake. No study has addressed the fruits and vegetables intake during the COVID-19 in Malaysia. Aim: to assess the daily intake of fruits and vegetables among Malaysian adults during the COVID-19 outbreak, perceived changes in intake, as well as factors associated with the changes in intake. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through online platforms and a total of 506 participants were recruited. Semi food-frequency questionnaires were used to assess participants’ fruit and vegetable intake. Socio-demographics information, knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of fruits and vegetables were collected. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Results: The majority of participants (99.8%) did not achieve the recommended five servings per day, in which they consumed an average of 0.84 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. 46.4% of participants reported no changes in intake compared to before the outbreak. Fruits and vegetables intake was associated with physical activity level, knowledge, and beliefs of foods that may prevent/cure COVID-19. Binary logistic regression identified two significant risk factors of daily fruits and vegetables intake namely, being a non-Chinese (AOR = 1.905, 95% CI = 1.114–3.257) and having good practices scores (AOR = 2.543, 95% CI = 1.611–4.015). Conclusion: The study found a low daily intake of fruits and vegetables. The findings suggested that nutritional interventions are necessary to improve awareness on consuming more fruits and vegetables to improve overall health.

Hubungan Kebiasaan Sarapan Pagi terhadap Prestasi Belajar Siswa Siswi Kelas XII IPA SMA Negeri 8 Tangerang Selatan dan SMA Negeri 4 Tangerang Selatan

Breakfast habits are an important factor in fulfilling nutrition in the morning in order to support health and also support student achievement in school. Even so, many of the children go to school without breakfast. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between breakfast habits and student achievement in class XII science. This study used a cross sectional study design from December 2019 to January 2020. A 24-hour Food Recall questionnaire was used to determine breakfast habits. Other factors such as knowledge of nutrition, rest patterns, physical activity and gender were also measured using a questionnaire to support the relationship between variables. Assessment of learning achievement is used by taking the average value of the latest daily test scores with core subjects. The selected sample size is 246 students which are divided into 2 schools. Data were analyzed by computer software. Of the 246 respondents who were divided into 2 schools, there was a significant relationship between breakfast and learning achievement with p &lt; 0.05 for the two schools. The multivariate results of SMA Negeri 8 Tangerang Selatan showed the most dominant physical activity variable with PR (Prevalence Risk) 17,196 and SMA Negeri 4 Tangerang Selatan showed the same result, namely the variable physical activity was the most dominant among other variables with a PR (Prevalence Risk) value of 5,482. Consumption of breakfast that is not regular or not having breakfast has an influence on brain performance in the learning process at school. One of the important factors influencing physical activity is the number of calories for breakfast, nutritional knowledge, rest patterns and gender. Students are expected to practice a healthy breakfast eating pattern with the recommendation of the Nutrition Adequacy Rate (RDA) and regulate physical activity so as not to get tired during school hours.

The influence of clinic care on perceptions and knowledge of non-communicable diseases and physical activity from a low-resourced community: a mixed-method study

BackgroundHealth promotion for the management of risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is an integral part of standard care in South Africa. Most persons presenting with NCDs utilise public primary health care centres for disease management. This mixed-methods study aimed at expanding current understanding of the the influence of standard clinic care (usual care) on perceptions and knowledge of risk factors for NCDs and physical activity (PA) among persons from a low-resourced community. Qualitatively the perceptions of women from a low-resourced community about risk factors for NCDs and PA were explored throughout 24-weeks of standard clinic care. Parallel quantitative data was collected to describe changes in risk factors for NCDs and trends in self-reported knowledge about risk factors of NCDs and PA.MethodA convergent-parallel mixed-methods research design was used. The study was carried out in a public primary health care setting, in the North West Province, South Africa. From a convenience sample of 100 participants, 77 African women aged between 34 and 79 years were recruited for the study. Data were collected at three time-points including baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks of a standard clinic care health-promotion programme. The qualitative data was collected during focus group discussions, and the quantitative data included questionnaires on knowledge of physical activity and risk factors for NCDs as well as anthropometric and biological measurements. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed independently for each phase and then consolidated for interpretation. All data was collected in the same setting.ResultsParticipants' initial understanding and perceptions of NCD risk factors were poor. Qualitative findings showed that participants knew little about the specific physical activity they could engage in and the role of PA in NCD management. Participants preferred low-intensity activities. Heart-disease knowledge improved significantly at 12 weeks intervention compared to baseline MD = -3.655, p < 0.001. There were improvements in PA knowledge at 12 weeks from baseline MD = -0.625 p = 0.02. There were significant weight (MD = 1.420, p = 0.002) and waist circumference reductions (MD = 0.621, p = 0.02) from baseline to 24 weeks.ConclusionStandard clinic care improved knowledge of physical activity and risk factors for NCDs, but perceptions of risk factors for NCDs and PA were unchanged. This study offers insight into the perceptions held by women from a low-resource setting and how future interventions to manage and prevent NCDs should be structured.Trial registrationPACTR201609001771813.

Development of the knowledge of exercise during pregnancy scale

Objective: Benefits of exercise in pregnancy on maternal and fetal health are well-documented, whereas physical activity participation and knowledge of exercise during pregnancy are limited among pregnant women. This research purposed to develop a tool to measure knowledge of exercise during pregnancy. Material and Methods: This is a methodological study. After review of the literature, a pool of items was created. These items were regulated into a Likert-type scale. The content validity of the 27-item pilot-scale was assessed by expert review. The pilot-scale was applied online to women aged over 18 years with a history of at least one full-term live delivery. After the pilot application, validity and reliability were analyzed. Results: The content validity ratios (CVR) of items were between 0.500-0.900, and the content validity index (CVI) of the scale was 0.690. The scale underwent item analysis for reliability, and factor analysis for validity assessment. Subsequently, a total of 15 items were removed due to increasing Cronbach's alpha coefficient (k=10) and if having a communality value below 0.30 in the extraction column of the communalities table (k=5). The remaining 12 items were collected under a single factor with an eigenvalue of 5.731 that explained 47.8% of the variance. The scale was found to be highly reliable (Cronbach's alpha 0.894, Spearman-Brown split-half reliability coefficient 0.796, Guttman split-half reliability coefficient 0.792). The confirmatory factor analysis indicated good fit for the 12-item scale. Conclusions: The newly developed 12-item Knowledge of Exercise during Pregnancy Scale is valid and reliable for use with Turkish women to assess knowledge of exercise during pregnancy.

Establishing Guidelines for the Implementation of Quality Instructional Physical Activity Programs (IPAPS)

ABSTRACT Guidelines for the effective implementation of quality instructional physical activity programs (IPAPs) are essential to optimize both teaching and learning to meet the needs and interests of students in higher education (SHAPE America, 2022). These programs, also known as basic instruction programs, physical activity, and wellness programs, provide academic courses and resources that educate students on physical activity, sport, and fitness skills and knowledge that facilitates healthy, active lifestyles and fosters personal growth. This manuscript is valuable for faculty and administrators in higher education, introducing important new concepts that have emerged in the last decade for IPAPs in higher education and offering essential aspects to consider when evaluating IPAPs, including standards, values, technology, curriculum, and risk management.

Filipino Physical Therapists’ Promotion of Physical Activity in Older Adults: Knowledge, Practice, and Exploring Related Factors

Aim: This study aimed to: describe Filipino PTs' knowledge of WHO physical activity (PA) guidelines and their use of behavioral change techniques (BCTs) and theories when promoting PA in older adults, and (2) explore factors that potentially influence their engagement in PA promotion. Methods: Filipino PTs who handled older adult clients from March to April 2020 answered an online orprinted survey. Recruitment was done through various practice sites and the PPTA. Descriptive statistics summarized responses and correlational analysis explored whether key determinants and relevant demographic characteristics were linked to PA promotion in older adult clients. Results: There were 72 respondents. Data collection was concluded early following the COVID pandemic restrictions and major changes in the PT practice landscape in the Philippines. More than half were unaware (59.15%), and most could not recall the WHO guidelines (98.61%) correctly. Respondents used a limited range of BCTs when promoting PA. While some were aware of at least one behavior change theory (66.66%), a number were unfamiliar with these (33.33%), with only a small proportion reporting regular use in practice. Eleven out of 18 domains of determinants of PA promotion as well as the age and years of practice of the respondents were found to have a statistically significant positive relationship with PA promotion. Conclusion and Implications: Study results can serve as the basis for programs that improve knowledge of Filipino PTs with regards to WHO PA guidelines and strengthen their use of a wider range of BCTs and theories to guide PA promotion in older adult clients. This can potentially place Filipino PTs at the forefront of addressing this public health concern in the aging Filipino population.

High prevalence of multimorbidity and non-communicable disease risk factors in South African adolescents and youth living with HIV: Implications for integrated prevention

Background. Adolescents and youth living with HIV (AYLHIV) face an elevated non-communicable disease (NCD) risk resulting from HIV, psychosocial challenges, and the complications of antiretroviral therapy. Objectives. To investigate the prevalence of common NCDs and their risk factors among AYLHIV in urban Cape Town, South Africa, in order to inform an integrated approach to NCD screening and prevention in AYLHIV. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study in six primary care facilities in Cape Town between March 2019 and January 2020. We collected sociodemographic information, and assessed dietary intake, physical activity and nutritional knowledge. We also screened for pre-existing and previously unidentified NCDs and modifiable risk factors in 92 adolescents and youth receiving treatment for HIV in primary care settings using self-report and objective measures. Differences between sexes and age groups were compared using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. Results. Three out of four participants were female, and the median (interquartile range) age was 20.5 (18.9 - 22.9) years. More than a quarter were not in education, employment or training, and 44% were multidimensionally poor. Five percent of participants had measured hypertension, and 37% had central obesity. AYLHIV self-reported high levels of household food insecurity (70%), low daily fruit and vegetable consumption (28% and 52%, respectively), high refined sugar and sugar-sweetened beverage intake (31% and 29% daily intake, respectively), regularly skipping breakfast (42%), low nutritional knowledge (37% average score) and insufficient weekly physical activity levels (31%). A third (30%) were current smokers, and 24% engaged in binge drinking. Conclusions. Our findings of a high prevalence of NCDs and risk factors in AYLHIV highlight the importance of NCD risk screening as part of HIV care for AYLHIV. Such integrated approaches are needed to achieve the dual purpose of improving outcomes through early diagnosis of pre-existing NCDs as well as the prevention of NCD multimorbidity in AYLHIV. This study further demonstrates the need for early intervention on the social, environmental and economic determinants of NCDs targeting adolescents and youth.

Screening Intention Prediction of Colorectal Cancer among Urban Chinese Based on the Protection Motivation Theory

Colorectal cancer poses a serious threat worldwide. Although early screening has been proved to be the most effective way to prevent and control colorectal cancer, the current situation of colorectal cancer screening remains not optimistic. The aim of this article is to apply the protection motivation theory (PMT) to examine the influencing factors on screening intention of colorectal cancer (CRC). This cross-sectional survey was launched in five communities in Wuhan, China. All the eligible urban Chinese were recruited and interviewed using paper-and-pencil questionnaires. The intention of colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) was measured using six PMT subconstructs, including perceived risk, perceived severity, fear arousal, response efficacy, response cost, and self-efficacy. Data on sociodemographic variables and knowledge of CRC were also collected. The structural equation modeling (SEM) method was used for data analysis. Among all the 569 respondents, 83.66% expressed willingness to participate in CRCS. Data of the research fit the proposed SEM model well (Chi-square/df = 2.04, GFI = 0.93, AGFI = 0.91, CFI = 0.91, IFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.04). Two subconstructs of PMT (response efficacy and self-efficacy) and CRC knowledge were directly and positively associated with screening intention. Age, social status, medical history, physical activity, and CRC knowledge were indirectly related to the screening intention through at least one of the two PMT subconstructs (response efficacy and self-efficacy). The findings of this study suggest the significance of enhancing response efficacy and self-efficacy in motivating urban Chinese adults to participate in CRC screening. Knowledge of CRC is significantly associated with screening intention. This study can provide useful information for the formulation and improvement of colorectal cancer screening strategies and plans.

Using mobile health applications to enhance physical activity in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study on users' perceptions.

This research aims to assess the users' perceptions of usability and quality of mobile health applications used for promoting physical activity in Saudi Arabia. This was a quantitative cross-sectional study. A survey was developed based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and distributed among the Saudi population through social media to assess the users' perceptions of using mobile applications to enhance physical activity. The survey questionnaire consisted of 27 questions in six sections, including demographics (nine items), perceived usefulness (three items), perceived ease of use (three items), attitudes (three items), user experience (six items) and subjective quality (three items). All the participants were in Saudi Arabia and >15y of age. A total of 195 m-Health users participated in the survey. Of the total participants, 25.1% were overweight and 21.0% were obese. The workout frequency of most users was rarely (32.3%) and three to four times a week (29.2%). In addition, 55.9% of the users agreed that the application they use served all fitness levels and >80% either agreed or strongly agreed that it was easy for them to learn how to use the application. More than 70% of users agreed or strongly agreed that the application enhanced their knowledge of workouts and physical activity and >90% would recommend the application to others. There were no differences identified between the male and female participants and younger (<40y) and older (>40y) participants with respect to perceived usefulness and ease of use, attitudes, experiences and subjective quality. However, significant differences were observed between participants <40y and >40y of age in terms of perceived ease of use of mHealth applications. mHealth users across Saudi Arabia believe that the mHealth applications have good usability and quality factors. As a result, they can motivate people and help them achieve their goals in relation to physical activities.

Physical Activity Experiences of South Asian Migrant Women in Western Australia: Implications for Intervention Development.

The benefits of physical activity are widely recognised; however, physical activity uptake remains low in South Asian populations. South Asian migrant women face health risks as they adapt to new cultures, and these risks are often intensified through their limited participation in physical activity as one of the behaviours that promote positive health outcomes. Three focus group discussions with sixteen South Asian migrant women aged between 33 and 64 years, with a median age of 48 years and who live in Western Australia, were conducted. Thematic analysis of the transcribed qualitative data was completed to explore and uncover South Asian women’s experiences with physical activity, as well as their motivation, beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge about physical activity. Five major themes emerged after coding and analysing the data. The themes included the women’s knowledge of physical activity, their general attitudes and beliefs surrounding physical activity, the advantages and disadvantages of participation in physical activity, their experiences with physical activity, and the barriers, challenges, and facilitators surrounding physical activity. Recommendations are proposed to increase physical activity among this group to improve overall health and wellbeing and implications for intervention development are discussed.