Physical Activity Levels In Women Research Articles

Test‐retest reliability of questions assessing physical activity levels among low‐income women

Self‐reported surveys are used to assess dietary and physical activity (PA) behavior changes among low‐income Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) adult participants. A multi‐state research project (NC2169) has been established to create a new EFNEP survey that is consistent with America's most recent dietary and physical activity guidelines. The aim of this portion of the project's work was to examine the test‐retest reliability for the survey's PA questions, for which face validity had previously been verified via cognitive interviews. Due to pragmatic concerns (i.e. literacy levels, participant burden and time constraints), questions used for EFNEP evaluation need to be relatively quick and easy to complete. Thus, a single item was used to address each of three PA concepts: Item 1: moderate to vigorous aerobic PA; Item 2: muscle strengthening/resistance training; and Item 3: bodily exertion to intentionally develop and maintain fitness via everyday activities (e.g., taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking far from a destination to walk more, etc.). Items 1 and 2 were measured on a 7‐point scale, (“0” to “7” days); Item 3 was assessed using a 5‐point Likert‐type scale (“Never” to “Always”). Sixty‐eight low‐income women from Colorado, New Jersey, and Nevada were asked to respond to the questions on two separate occasions, 7–10 days apart. Care was taken to administer questions during periods for which consistent weather patterns had been predicted, as inconsistent weather has been correlated with changes in individuals' activity patterns. Spearman's correlation coefficient, intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) and paired t‐test were used to examine test‐retest reliability using SAS (version 9.3). Demographic information was also collected, and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, means and standard deviations). Of the 68 participant recruited, 64 completed both the test and retest; most were Black (56.3%), had a high school degree or lower (51.5%), and received SNAP benefit (68.0%). Neither test nor retest responses differed significantly by age, race or education levels. Spearman correlation coefficients ranged from 0.60 (Item 3) to 0.88 (Item 2), suggesting a “strong” (0.60–0.79) to “very strong” (0.80–1.00) correlation between the test and retest responses. ICC for Items 1–3 were 0.71, 0.77, 0.64, respectively, which also indicated “good” reliability (ICC= 0.61 to 0.80). Paired t‐tests showed no significant differences between test and retest responses, which, in the absence of external influences, reflected their reliability. In conclusion, these PA questions demonstrated satisfactory test‐retest reliability for assessing low‐income women's physical activity levels. Research to examine the questions' validity remains necessary.Support or Funding InformationFunding resource: United States Department of Agriculture, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Grant Number: NJ 14211; (Multi‐State Project NC‐2169)

Different pain responses to distinct levels of physical activity in women with patellofemoral pain

BackgroundPhysical activity levels seem to play a role in patellofemoral pain (PFP); however, few studies have been conducted to confirm this hypothesis. ObjectivesTo determine the reported pain levels of women with and without PFP who maintain different levels of physical activity; to determine the capability of these levels to predict pain; and to test the capability of two stair-negotiation protocols, with and without external load, to equalize pain between groups. MethodFour groups were divided based on the women's physical activity levels: moderate activity PFP group (28), moderate activity control group (23), intense activity PFP group (22), and intense activity control group (22). All participants were asked to perform 15 repetitions of stair negotiation with and without external load on a seven-step staircase on two separate days. Pain levels were reported using a visual analog scale at five distinct moments: previous month, before stair negotiation, after stair negotiation, before patellofemoral joint (PFJ) loading protocol, and after PFJ loading protocol. ResultsThe intense activity PFP group showed higher levels of pain than the moderate activity PFP group (F(8,158)=11.714, p=0.000, η2=0.30). The PFJ loading protocol was able to equalize and exacerbate pain in the PFP groups. ConclusionIntense physical activity seems to have a higher association with knee pain than moderate physical activity. A PFJ loading protocol may be an alternative to equalize pain in women with PFP during clinical assessments.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG WOMEN IN A SUBURBAN AREA: FINDINGS OF A COMMUNITY-BASED STUDY IN IRAN

Background: Women’s physical inactivity has a strong relationship with adverse health consequences including non-communicable disease. Personal, physical and social factors are associated with women’s physical activity (PA) in Western countries, however little is known about the correlates of women’s physical activity in developing countries. This study was developed to identify personal, social and physical environmental determinants of PA in adult Iranian women living in an suburban area. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of women age 18-64 years, cluster sampling method was used to select eligible women from two districts in the city of Qom. Participants provided demographic details and completed a validated PA determinants questionnaire to identify the determinants of physical activity and International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess the PA level. Results: In total, 297 women participated (mean age x years SD). The findings of the descriptive statistics indicated that 139 women (46.8%) performed low PA, while 120 women (40.41%) and 36 women (12.79%) participate in moderate and high PA level, respectively. Age, marriage, education, enjoyment, preferences, motivation, self-efficacy, availability of appropriate places, social support, inappropriate culture of community and not having a partner for physical activity, were related to physical activity level of women. Conclusions: Greater focus on factors such as enjoyment, self-efficacy, availability of appropriate places, and social support and on the other hand attention to promoting the life condition of women and reducing their family responsibilities is necessary to reach a comprehensive approach for increasing the PA of women in the suburban areas

Antenatal weight management: Diet, physical activity, and gestational weight gain in early pregnancy

Objectiveto investigate women's physical activity levels, diet and gestational weight gain, and their experiences and motivations of behavior change. Designanalysis of cross-sectional data collected during a longitudinal, cohort study examining physiological, psychological, sociodemographic, and self-reported behavioural measures relating to bodyweight. Settingwomen recruited from routine antenatal clinics at the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Participants193 women ≤27 weeks gestation and aged 18 years or over. Measurements & findingsmeasurements included weight and height, the Dietary Instrument for Nutrition Education (Brief Version), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Form), and open questions of perceptions of behaviour change. 50.3% (n=97) were overweight/obese, and women gained 0.26kg/wk (IQR 0.34kg/wk) since conception. The majority consumed low levels of fat (n=121; 63.4%), high levels of unsaturated fat (n=103; 53.9%), and used a dietary supplement (n=166; 86.5%). However, 41% (n=76) were inactive, 74.8% (n=143) did not consume high levels of fibre, and 90.0% (n=171) consumed less than 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Body mass index category was not associated with diet, physical activity levels, or gestational weight gain. Themes generated from open-questions relating to behaviour change were: (1) Risk management, (2) Coping with symptoms, (3) Self-control, (4) Deviation from norm, (5) Nature knows best. Conclusionsearly pregnancy is a period of significant and heterogeneous behaviour change, influenced by perceptions of risk and women's lived experience. Behaviour was influenced not only by perceptions of immediate risk to the fetus, but also by the women's lived experience of being pregnant.Implications for practice: There are exciting opportunities to constructively reframe health promotion advice relating to physical activity and diet in light of women's priorities. The need for individualized advice is highlighted, and women across all body mass index categories would benefit from improved diet and physical activity levels.

The Effect of Self-Efficacy and Outcome Expectations Training on the Enhancement of Physical Activities Among Women Suffering From Breast Cancer: An Evidence-Based Intervention

Background: At present, women tend to have a longer life-expectancy after a diagnosis of breast cancer has been established, primarily due to earlier diagnoses and advances in the treatment of cancer. Unfortunately, because of the complications of medical treatments, women saved from breast cancer experience a considerable level of disability. One of the complications of such treatments is the avoidance of physical activity. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to conduct a training intervention based on the constructs of self-efficacy and outcome expectations in order to enhance the physical activity levels of women suffering from breast cancer. Patients and Methods: The present research was a quasi-experimental study with a randomized control group conducted on 70 womenwith a final diagnosis of breast cancer in Isfahan, Iran (35 patients in each group). The data collection instruments included: (1) Underlying factors questionnaire, (2) self-efficacy in physical activity and outcome expectations measurement, and (3) the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). After collection, the data were entered into SPSS version 19 software. To analyze the data, statistical tests such as the independent t-test, paired t-test, chi-square, and analysis of covariance were used. Results: A significant increase in the self-efficacy and outcome expectations in the experimental group was observed one month after the training intervention, and the amount of physical activity showed a significant increase three months after the intervention (P 0.05, t = 0.2). In addition, changes in mean scores of self-efficacy (58.4�2.3), outcome expectations (11.3�1.3), and physical activity (418�183.5) before and after intervention were significant in the intervention group (P < 0.000). Conclusions: It seems that health education programs based on the assessment of the needs of the patients can positively affect their behavioral motivation and performance in physical activities.

Choose-to-move+ physical activity program

Obesity rates are increasing, resulting in 600 million obese individuals worldwide. Increased physical activity leads to weight reduction in a dose-dependent manner. Social support for physical activity is linked to increased physical activity levels in women. The study purpose was to test the Choose to Move+ physical activity program among 13 obese women. This social support intervention included informational group sessions and physical activities. Within three months, women self-reported a 2.5% increase in time spent in walking and the number of days per week walked. Nurse provided social support may encourage obese women to increase physical activity to improve fitness.

Usability testing and piloting of the Mums Step It Up program--a team-based social networking physical activity intervention for women with young children.

BackgroundWomen’s physical activity levels decline during their transition to parenthood. Facebook is widely used by Australian mothers and provides the opportunity to target social networks in order to maintain and increase physical activity.MethodThis mixed method study aimed to pilot and assess the usability of the Mums Step It Up Facebook app, a new team-based physical activity intervention for mothers with young children. A purposive sample of five “Captain” women with young children, were recruited through personal contacts. These women used the app to recruit 3–7 Facebook friends (with children under 5) to join their respective teams (total n = 25). The app encourages women to take 10,000 steps a day measured by a pedometer. Women used the app for 28 days to log steps, interact with team mates and monitor progress. Physical activity was assessed at two time points (baseline and final week) using the Active Australia Survey. Usability testing with the five “Captain” women took place over two one hour face-to-face sessions. A questionnaire seeking feedback on the app was completed at time point two.ResultsParticipants’ total physical activity increased by an average of 177 minutes per week (p = 0.01). The complexity of the team forming process and issues using the Facebook environment, where a variety of devices and software platforms are used, was highlighted.DiscussionA team-based Facebook app shows considerable promise for the recruitment and retention of participants to a social network-based physical activity intervention. A randomised controlled trial to further evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention is warranted.

A call to increase physical activity among women of reproductive age: is it possible?

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is an increasingly commonpregnancy complication.Womenwith GDMare at extremely high risk of developing diabetes, especially in the first 5 years after delivery. In their article on the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) II in this issue of JAMA Internal Medicine, Bao et al1 found that following a GDM pregnancy, increasing physical activity levelswere associatedwith a reduced risk of progression from GDM to diabetes. This findinghighlights the importance of developing effective behavioral interventions to increase physical activity after a GDM pregnancy. A randomized clinical trial of one such behavioral intervention, the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP),2 found that among overweight or obese women with impaired glucose tolerance, an intensive lifestyle intervention,whichaimedtoachieveweight reduction throughbothphysical activity anda low-fat diet, reduced the risk of developing diabetes by 58%.3 However, the subgroup of womenwith a history of GDM—approximately 8 yearsyounger thanwomenwithoutahistoryofGDM—was less likely to adhere to the lifestyle intervention, less successful at sustaining increases inphysically activity, and lost lessweight thanwomenwithout ahistory ofGDM.3These subgroup findings likely signal the challenges faced by women with young families who are struggling to engage in self-care behaviors, suchas increasingtheirphysicalactivity levels,amidst thecompeting demands of work and family. More data on physical activity during the early postpartumperiod are needed amongwomenwith GDM. In addition to the challenges of early parenthood faced bywomenwith a recent diagnosis of GDM, it is possible that younger women withGDMmaynotbeas awareof their diabetes risk and therefore may have less motivation for changing lifestyle behaviors.WomenintheDPPhadpregnanciesapproximately12years before study enrollment, leavingunanswered the question of whether the lifestyle intervention could have been more effective closer to the time of diagnosis and delivery. Unfortunately, Bao et al1 did not address how soon after a GDM pregnancywomen’sphysicalactivity levels increased. Itwouldhave been useful to know atwhat point postpartumwomenwith a pregnancycomplicatedbyGDMaremotivated to increase their physically activity levels.A recent feasibility randomizedclinical trial of a prenatal and postpartum lifestyle intervention, similar to theDPPbut deliveredby telephone anddesigned to help women lose weight during the first year postpartum, found that the lifestyle intervention was effective in reducingdietary fat intakebutwasnot effective in increasingphysical activity levels.4 While measurement error may have contributed to these null findings, further research is needed in this area. A pilot study randomized 49 women with a recent history of GDM (within 3 years) to a 13-week intervention of a web-based pedometer program or a control condition, which included a letter about diabetes risk reduction.5 The investigators found no difference in physical activity between the groups. Taken together, these studies suggest that more intensive interventionsmay be needed to increase physical activity in GDMwomen during the postpartum period. There is a clear need for intervention strategies to help postpartum womenidentifyandovercomebarriers inorder to increase their physical activity. There are several ongoing randomized trials in theUnited States testing lifestyle interventions that start during pregnancy and continue through the first year postpartum for womenwithGDM.One isapragmatic cluster randomizedclinical trial including 2320 women6 (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01344278), and for theother, randomizationof350women occurs at the individual level (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01489163). Both are testing the effectiveness of a DPPderived print and telephone lifestyle interventions compared with usual care practices alone in helping women lose weightduring the firstyearpostpartum.Both interventionsencourage women to increase their levels of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity up to 150 minutes per week. Similar trials are also occurring outside of the United States. Since 2005, the Tianjin Gestational Diabetes Prevention Program has randomized 1180 women with GDM to either a behavioral intervention group or a comparison group to evaluate the effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention in preventing diabetes.7 Women in the intervention group are advised to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity 5 days a week. It will be critical to see if these early postpartum interventions are effective in increasing physical activity levels in women with GDM. In the meantime, the article by Bao et al1 provides evidence of a hopeful message for women with GDM that if they can increase their physical activity, they may potentially reduce or delay their risk of developing diabetes. Even as health systems and public health programs find ways to help young postpartumwomen increase their physicalactivity levels, thechallenges inherentduring theearlypostpartum periodmake it necessary to design lifestyle interventions that start before pregnancy.Womenof reproductive age thus represent aparticularly important group to target for lifestyle interventions designed to increase physical activity and achieveanappropriateweight.Beingoverweightorobeseduring pregnancy is associated with several perinatal complicaRelated article page 1047 Research Original Investigation Physical Activity & Sedentary Behavior in Diabetes

The effect of a behaviour change intervention on the diets and physical activity levels of women attending Sure Start Children’s Centres: results from a complex public health intervention

ObjectivesThe UK government's response to the obesity epidemic calls for action in communities to improve people's health behaviour. This study evaluated the effects of a community intervention on dietary quality...

Physical Activity Levels in Women Attending Breast Screening, Receiving Chemotherapy and Post-Breast Cancer Treatment; A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: A lack of physical activity (PA) is a well-recognised risk factor in the development of breast cancer (BC) and evidence-base research on the impact of PA on BC survival is consolidating. However, evidence reveals that BC survivors have low levels of PA, suggesting the need of targeted interventions to enhance the PA behaviour of BC survivors. Unfortunately, there is lack of data from the UK about the PA behaviours of women at various stages of diagnosis and treatment of BC. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess PA levels in women at different stages of BC pathway. Patients and Methods: A convenient sample of patients was selected at various stages of presentation and treatment of BC. Patients attending for breast screening for NHSBSP (n = 188), post-operative patients attending for chemotherapy (n = 41) and BC patients within one year’s post-treatment (n = 80) were invited to take part in this cross-sectional study. Results: Based on the odds ratio, the likelihood of a chemotherapy participant not meeting PA guidelines (i.e., being in the low activity category) were three times higher than the odds of a NHSBPS attendee not meeting PA guidelines, and compared to post-treatment participants, the chemotherapy patient’s odds of not meeting PA guidelines was four times higher. The odds of NHSBPS attendees being in the high activity category compared to the moderate category were three times higher than that of a post-treatment participant. Conclusions: The current study suggests the need to establish robust PA interventions to enhance the PA behaviour of breast cancer survivors.

Association between Smoking and Health Outcomes in Postmenopausal Women Living with Multiple Sclerosis.

Background. In multiple sclerosis (MS), symptom management and improved health-related quality of life (HrQOL) may be modified by smoking. Objective. To evaluate the extent to which smoking is associated with worsened health outcomes and HrQOL for postmenopausal women with MS. Methods. We identified 251 Women's Health Initiative Observational Study participants with a self-reported MS diagnosis. Using a linear model, we estimated changes from baseline to 3 years for activities of daily living, total metabolic equivalent tasks (MET) hours per week, mental and physical component scales (MCS, PCS) of the SF-36, and menopausal symptoms adjusting for years since menopause and other confounders. Results. Nine percent were current and 50% past smokers. Age at smoking initiation was associated with significant changes in MCS during menopause. PCS scores were unchanged. While women who had ever smoked experienced an increase in physical activity during menopause, the physical activity levels of women who never smoked declined. Residual confounding may explain this finding. Smoking was not associated with change in menopausal symptoms during the 3-year follow-up. Conclusion. Smoking was not associated with health outcomes among post-menopausal women with MS.

Association between cognitive performance, physical fitness, and physical activity level in women with chronic fatigue syndrome

Limited scientific evidence suggests that physical activity is directly related to cognitive performance in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). To date, no other study has examined the direct relationship between cognitive performance and physical fitness in these patients. This study examined whether cognitive performance and physical fitness are associated in female patients with CFS and investigated the association between cognitive performance and physical activity level (PAL) in the same study sample. We hypothesized that patients who performed better on cognitive tasks would show increased PALs and better performance on physical tests. The study included 31 women with CFS and 13 healthy inactive women. Participants first completed three cognitive tests. Afterward, they undertook a test to determine their maximal handgrip strength, performed a bicycle ergometer test, and were provided with an activity monitor. In patients with CFS, lower peak oxygen uptake and peak heart rate were associated with slower psychomotor speed (p < 0.05). Maximal handgrip strength was correlated with working memory performance (p < 0.05). Both choice and simple reaction time were lower in patients with CFS relative to healthy controls (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, physical fitness, but not PAL, is associated with cognitive performance in female patients with CFS.

Body Composition, Dietary Intake and Physical Activity Level of Sedentary Adult Indian Women

Age related changes in body composition are associated with long term dietary intake profiles. Age related increase in body fat is primarily attributed to decline in physical activity and basal metabolic rate as well as dietary intake. The study was designed to assess the body composition, dietary intake and physical activity level of sedentary adult women of different age groups. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 152 sedentary adult women comprised of students and faculty from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The relationship of body composition with dietary factors and physical activity level of women in four age groups i.e. 21 - 30, 31 - 40, 41 - 50 and 51 - 60 years was determined. A gradual increase (p ≤ 0.05) in anthropometric and body composition parameters such as weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, body mass index, fat mass and visceral fat rating was observed with the advancement of age. The lean body mass was decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) as the age progressed, the values for four age groups being 74.9, 68.9, 62.8 and 60.9%, respectively. Contrary to this fat mass increased with age, the corresponding values for four age groups being 15.7, 21.4, 26.6 and 29.2 kg, respectively. The percent adequacy of protein by four age groups was 69.6, 78.2, 80.0 and 66.3, respectively when compared to RDA while fat intake was much higher i.e. 245.5, 271.8, 288.4 and 250.8%, respectively. The energy intake was inadequate among all age groups, however, a significant (p ≤ 0.05) differ- ence was observed in daily energy consumption between the age groups. The mean physical activity level (PAL) of the subjects ranged between 1.49 - 1.60. The physical activity level values showed that majority of the subjects (87% - 94%) were having sedentary life style. Age is a crucial factor associated with body composition. A high fat mass and low lean body mass of the subjects was observed. Their diets were low in protein but high in fat. Majority of the subjects from different age groups had sedentary life style. A diet with higher protein and lesser fat combined with exercise can help in sustaining optimum body composition.

The Southampton Initiative for Health

The Southampton Initiative for Health is a training intervention with Sure Start Children's Centre staff designed to improve the diets and physical activity levels of women of childbearing age. Training aims to help staff to support women in making changes to their lifestyles by improving three skills: reflection on current practice; asking 'open discovery' questions; and goal-setting. The impact of the training on staff practice is being assessed. A before and after non-randomized controlled trial is being used to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the intervention in improving women's diets and increasing their physical activity levels.

Modifiable Correlates of Physical Activity Levels in Women with Breast Cancer During and After Treatment

Modifiable Correlates of Physical Activity Levels in Women with Breast Cancer During and After Treatment

Health-At-Every-Size and Eating Behaviors: 1-Year Follow-Up Results of a Size Acceptance Intervention

Background Poor long-term success observed with current weight-control strategies stresses the relevance to explore new weight management approaches. Objective To assess the effects of a Health-At-Every-Size (HAES) intervention on eating behaviors, appetite sensations, metabolic and anthropometric variables, and physical activity levels in women at 6-month and 1-year postintervention. Design Randomized controlled trial; measurements at baseline, at the end of the intervention period (4 months), and at 6-month and 1-year postintervention (10 months and 16 months, respectively). Intervention and testing took place from September 2003 to August 2006. Participants/setting Premenopausal overweight/obese women (n=144; mean age of 42.3±5.6 years), recruited from free-living, general community. Intervention Women were randomly assigned to: HAES group (n=48), social support group (n=48), or control group (n=48). Main outcome measures Eating behaviors (restraint, disinhibition, and susceptibility to hunger), appetite ratings (desire to eat, hunger, fullness, and prospective food consumption), anthropometric and metabolic variables (body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, blood lipid levels, and blood pressure), and engagement in moderate to intense physical activity (energy cost ≥1.2 kcal×kg −1×15 minutes −1 [≥4.8 metabolic equivalents]). Statistical analyses performed Changes for each dependent variable were assessed by linear mixed models according to a group (HAES vs social support vs control) by time (baseline vs 4 months vs 10 months vs 16 months) split-plot design. Results Situational susceptibility to disinhibition and susceptibility to hunger significantly decreased over time in both HAES group (−0.9±0.2 and −1.3±0.5, respectively) and the social support group (−0.4± 0.2 and −1.4±0.5, respectively). Although eating behavior scores observed at 16 months did not differ between HAES and social support groups (situational susceptibility to disinhibition: 2.5±0.2 in HAES group vs 2.7 ± 0.2 in social support group; susceptibility to hunger: 4.2±0.5 in both groups), they were lower in these groups than scores noted in the control group (3.3±0.2 for situational susceptibility to disinhibition and 5.9±0.5 for susceptibility to hunger). Conclusions These results suggest that, when compared to a control group, an HAES approach could have long-term beneficial effects on eating behaviors related to disinhibition and hunger. In addition, our study did not show distinctive effects of the HAES approach in comparison to a social support intervention.

Health-enhancing physical activity behaviour and related factors in postpartum women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus

This is one of the first studies to explore known preventive behaviours for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among women with recent gestational diabetes (GDM), and the first to do so in a representative population sample. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of health-enhancing physical activity (PA) and explore its association with psychosocial and sociodemographic factors, in postnatal women with recent GDM. Cross-sectional telephone surveys were conducted among Queensland women with a recent history (≥6 months and ≤3 years since diagnosis) of GDM ( N = 331), which included measures on PA behaviour, social support and self-efficacy for regular PA. The prevalence of health-enhancing PA among women with recent GDM was 37.2%. In multivariate analysis, both social support (OR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.09) and self-efficacy (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.004–1.07) were significantly associated with health-enhancing PA. The findings from this study demonstrate the need for postnatal follow-up to increase PA levels in women with recent GDM as this may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in this at-risk population. Strategies that address social support and self-efficacy for PA may be effective in increasing health-enhancing PA among women with recent GDM.

Dietary intake, body composition and physical activity levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome compared with healthy controls

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age in the UK. Obesity is a common feature of PCOS with approximately 33% of UK women with PCOS (wPCOS) being obese (Barr et al., 2007) compared with 20% of women in the general population (Ruston et al., 2004). This research aims to compare the diet and lifestyle of wPCOS (normal and overweight) with matched controls.Methods: A 7‐day food and activity diary, and medical questionnaire were completed by 37 wPCOS and 31 age and weight matched controls. A pedometer was also provided to on the same 7 days. Anthropometric measurements (body mass index, percentage body fat, and waist‐to‐hip ratio), and dietary intakes were compared. Percentage body fat measurements were taken using Bodystat tetrapolar bioimpedance (BodyStat, UK). Ethical approval was obtained from Roehampton University Ethics Board and the Huntingdon Research Ethics Committee.Results: There were no significant differences for anthropometric measurements or mean energy intake between wPCOS and controls. However, percentage energy (%E) from fat, and absolute and percentage saturated fat intakes were all significantly higher for wPCOS compared with controls (Table 1) and further from the recommendations for health. Percentage energy intake from carbohydrate for wPCOS was significantly lower than controls (P = 0.003) with no significant differences in the contribution from protein. Subject characteristics and nutrient intake (mean ± SD). Values Total (n = 68) wPCOS (n = 37) Control (n = 31) Significance Body mass index (kg m−²) 24.3 (4.3) 24.4 (4.1) 24.2 (4.5) NS Waist: Hip ratio 0.77 (0.07) 0.77 (0.07) 0.77 (0.06) NS Body fat (%) 29.5 (7.1) 30 (7) 29 (7) NS Energy intake (kcal day−1) 1867 (388) 1906 (362) 1821 (418) NS Carbohydrate (% intake day−1) 43 (7) 41 (8) 46 (5) 0.003 Protein (% intake day−1) 16 (4) 16 (4) 16 (3) NS Total fat (% intake day−1) 38 (6) 40 (6) 35 (5) 0.007 Saturated fat (% intake day−1) 12.9 (3) 15 (3) 12 (3) 0.023 Saturated fat (g day−1) 26.9 (9.1) 29 (8) 25 (10) 0.002 Steps per day (n = 42) 9318 (2636) 9369 (2430) 9251 (2960) NS Stratification by BMI identified a significant difference in %E from carbohydrate between lean wPCOS (41 ± 6%) and lean controls (P = 0.042) and conversely a higher %E intake from fat in lean wPCOS versus lean controls (P = 0.039).Discussion: Results indicate both qualitative and quantitative differences in the dietary intakes of wPCOS compared to age and weight matched controls. However, no significant differences in activity levels or body composition were identified. Analysis is ongoing and will help to further elucidate the relationship between behaviour, weight and risk factor profile in women with PCOS allowing for the development of more effective management strategies.Conclusions: This is the first study to report the habitual dietary intake of UK wPCOS compared with matched controls, and results are similar to US findings (Wright et al., 2004). Identification of sub‐optimal dietary patterns in wPCOS in the UK will allow dietary information for this population to be more effectively tailored to help maximise the success of lifestyle interventions.References Barr, S., Hart, K., Reeves, S. &amp; Jeanes, Y. (2007) Dietary composition of UK women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Ann. Nutr. Metab.51(Suppl. 1): 345.Ruston, D., Hoare, J., Henderson, L. et al. (2004) The National Diet and Nutrition Survey: Adults aged 19 to 64 years. Volume 4. London: The Stationery Office.Wright, C.E., Zborowski, J.V., Talbott, E.O. et al. (2004) Dietary intake, physical activity, and obesity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Int. J. Obes. 28, 1026–1032.

Self-Efficacy, Social Support, and Associations With Physical Activity and Body Mass Index Among Women With Histories of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

To examine the associations between 2 potential facilitators of healthy behaviors (self-efficacy and social support), and both physical activity and body mass index (BMI) among women with histories of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Two hundred and twenty-eight women with histories of GDM who were enrolled in a managed care plan were surveyed. A cross-sectional analysis was used to assess the association between women's social support from family and friends for physical activity and self-efficacy for physical activity with women's physical activity levels. The association between women's social support from family and friends for healthy diet and self-efficacy for not overeating and their dietary habits also were examined. Finally, the association between all of these psychosocial constructs and body mass index (BMI) were assessed before and after adjustment for covariates. Participants reported low to moderate social support and self-efficacy scores, suboptimal performance of physical activity, suboptimal dietary scores, and high BMIs. Self-efficacy and social support from family and friends for physical activity were associated with physical activity. Social support from family and friends for a healthy diet was associated with better dietary scores, and the association between self-efficacy for not overeating and healthy diet bordered on significance. No significant associations existed between psychosocial constructs and BMI. Psychosocial constructs such as social support and self-efficacy are associated with physical activity and dietary habits. However, associations with BMI are weak. Further exploration of constructs associated with BMI may be needed to design effective weight-loss interventions in this population.

Gender, mental health service use and objectively measured physical activity: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2003–2004)

Objective To examine the relationship between physical activity levels measured objectively by accelerometry and the use of mental health services (MHS) in a representative sample of males and females. Method NHANES 2003–2004 is a cross-sectional study of the civilian, non-institutionalized US adult population. Participants reported whether or not they had seen a mental health professional during the past 12 months. Three measures of daily physical activity (light minutes, moderate-vigorous minutes, and total activity counts) and sedentary minutes were determined by accelerometry. The relationship between physical activity and use of MHS was modeled with and without adjustments for potential socioeconomic and health confounders. Results Of the 1846 males and 1963 females included in this analysis, 7 and 8% reported seeing mental health professionals during the past 12 months, respectively. Men who used MHS were significantly less active than men who did not use MHS (227,700 versus 276,900 total activity counts, respectively, p < 0.05). Men who did not use MHS engaged in 38 min (95% CI 16.3, 59.0) more of light or moderate-vigorous physical activity per day than men who used MHS. Physical activity levels of women, regardless of MHS use, were significantly lower than men who did not use MHS. Differences in total physical activity between women who did and did not use MHS were small (1.3, 95% CI −14.0, 11.4). Conclusion Men and women who used MHS were relatively sedentary. Additional research is warranted to determine if increasing physical activity levels results in improved mental health in individuals who use MHS.