Prevalence Of Physical Inactivity Research Articles

KIJANI App to Promote Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents: Protocol for a Mixed Method Evaluation.

The prevalence of physical inactivity among children and adolescents is alarmingly high despite the well-documented and comprehensive benefits of regular physical activity (PA). Therefore, PA promotion should start early in childhood and adolescence. Although reducing recreational screen time in children and adolescents is an urgent concern, digital approaches have the potential to make activity promotion attractive and age appropriate for the target group. KIJANI is a mobile app approach to promote PA in children and adolescents via gamification and augmented reality. This study protocol aims to describe the KIJANI intervention in detail, as well as the evaluation approach. KIJANI is based on the concept that virtual coins can be earned through PA, for example, in the form of a collected step count. With these coins, in turn, blocks can be bought, which can be used to create virtual buildings and integrate them into the player's real-world environment via augmented reality. PA of users is detected via accelerometers integrated into the smartphones. KIJANI can be played at predefined play locations that were comprehensively identified as safe, child-friendly, and attractive for PA by the target group in a partner project. The evaluation process will be divided into 2 different stages. The phase-I evaluation will be a mixed methods approach with one-on-one semistructured interviews and questionnaires to evaluate the user experience and receive feedback from the target group. After the implementation of results and feedback from the target group, the phase-II evaluation will proceed in the form of a 2-arm randomized controlled trial, in which the effectiveness of KIJANI will be assessed via objectively measured PA as well as questionnaires. The study received ethical approval from the ethical board of the Technical University of Munich. Participants for the phase-I evaluation are currently being recruited. The study will help to determine the efficacy, applicability, and user experience of a gamified activity promotion application in children and adolescents. Overall, digital health approaches provide easy and wide reachability at low cost and are age appropriate and attractive for the target group of adolescents. Strategies have to be developed to apply digital health approaches in the best possible way for activity promotion. DERR1-10.2196/55156.

Exploring Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents with Disabilities: A Bibliometric Review of Current Status, Guidelines, Perceived Barriers, and Facilitators and Future Directions.

Physical activity contributes to both physiological and psychosocial benefits for children and adolescents with disabilities. However, the prevalence of physical inactivity is notably higher among disabled young people compared to their healthy peers. Despite this, there is a lack of constructed knowledge structure, evolutionary path, research hotspots, and frontiers in studies related to physical activity in young people with disabilities. The literature related to the research of physical activity in children and adolescents with disabilities was retrieved from the core collection of the Web of Science. The annual publication numbers and the timing, frequency, and centrality of the co-occurrence network with respect to journals, countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords were analyzed. Additionally, clustering analysis and burst analysis were performed on the references and keywords. All analyses were conducted using CiteSpace. A total of 1308 related articles were included. The knowledge structure of research on the physical activity of disabled children and adolescents, including annual publication numbers, influencing journals, countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords along with their respective collaborative networks, has been constructed. Furthermore, the research foundation, current hot topics, and research frontiers have been identified by analyzing references and keywords. Current research hotspots include interventions, therapies, and programs aimed at enhancing specific skills, as well as addressing the satisfaction of competence to improve motivation and the effectiveness of physical activity. There is also a focus on the development of scales for quantitative studies. Future directions may be toward personalized interventions or programs to enhance physical activity levels among youth with disabilities.

Are accelerometer-measured sitting and physical activity times associated with muscle mass and strength in healthy young adults in the UAE?

BackgroundA high prevalence of obesity, sedentary behavior, and physical inactivity could affect muscle mass and strength in young adults in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Therefore, we investigated the association of sex, body mass index (BMI), and accelerometer-measured sitting and physical activity (PA) times with skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), hand grip, and thigh muscle strength in healthy young adults in the UAE. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 156 healthy young adults (age 21.68 ± 3.01 years, BMI 25.40 ± 4.79 kg/m2, 52.6 % women) were included. BMI and muscle mass were recorded using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Maximum hand grip strength and thigh muscle torque were assessed using the Jamar-smart hand-dynamometer and Biodex System-4-Pro, respectively. Participants wore a triaxial Fibion accelerometer on their anterior thigh for >10 h per day for 4–7 days to measure their sitting and PA times. Multiple linear regression analyses were used. ResultsParticipants spent most of their time sitting (11.37 ± 1.10 h), followed by standing (2.92 ± 0.86 h), walking (1.58 ± 0.55 h), and vigorous intensity PA (4.79 ± 5.85 min) per 16-h day. Sex (p < 0.001) and BMI (p < 0.001) were negatively associated with all muscle mass and strength variables. Men had more muscle mass and strength than women. As BMI increased, muscle mass and muscle strength decreased. Accelerometer-measured sitting and walking times were negatively associated with concentric hamstrings (p = 0.044) and quadriceps torques (p = 0.031), respectively. ConclusionSex, BMI, and accelerometer-measured sitting and walking times were associated with muscle mass and/or muscle strength in healthy young adults. Women and those with a high BMI need interventions to improve their muscle mass and strength. The paradox regarding the association of PA with muscle mass and strength in younger adults may be due to possible influences from other factors (e.g., resistance training, dietary intakes, etc.) superseding that of accelerometer-measured PA.

Validation of the Chinese version of the exercise empowerment scale among college students (EES-C).

The escalating prevalence of physical inactivity among college students represents a significant public health challenge, particularly in light of its correlation with detrimental health outcomes. A growing body of evidence underscores the necessity of adhering to recommended levels of regular physical activity to thwart the onset of chronic diseases. One primary aim of school physical education initiatives is to elevate physical activity levels and bolster student motivation toward engaging in physical exercise. Engagement in sports activities has demonstrated efficacy in augmenting students' motor skills, elevating their self-efficacy, and enhancing cognitive competencies related to physical prowess, while also promoting sustained participation in physical activities. The Exercise Empowerment Scale (EES) has been formulated to quantitatively assess the degree of exercise empowerment. To date, no validated Chinese version of the EES has been reported in the literature. To address this, this present study developed and validated a Chinese version of the EES in a large sample of Chinese college students. A sample of Chinese college students (n = 885) was analyzed using Rasch analysis to examine the validity of the Exercise Empowerment Scale. In addition, physical activity and psychological resilience were used to investigate the potential associations with exercise empowerment. The EES-C was found to be a unidimensional scale, and the distribution of item difficulty was relatively even. The scale had good reliability (individual reliability of 0.87, and item reliability of 0.99). No differential item functioning (DIF) was observed across genders for any of the 13 EES-C items, suggesting equitable and unbiased applicability for both male and female respondents. The five-point scoring method of the EES scale was consistent with the overall distribution of the items and subjects. Exercise empowerment was positively correlated with autonomous physical activity and psychological resilience. The results of the study indicate that the EES-C possesses robust psychometric properties, rendering it suitable for application among Chinese college student populations. The adapted version of the EES-C provides a basis for further exploration of the predictive factors of physical activity in Chinese samples. The generalizability of our findings should be further verified in other populations in the future.

Factors Associated With Physical Inactivity of Recipients of a Kidney Transplant: Results From the ADHERE BRAZIL Multicenter Study.

Physical activity is recommended for recipients of a kidney transplant. However, ADHERE BRAZIL study found a high prevalence (69%) of physical inactivity in Brazilian recipients of a kidney transplant. To tackle this behavior, a broad analysis of barriers is needed. This study aimed to identify factors (patient and transplant center levels) associated with physical inactivity among recipients of a kidney transplant. This was a subproject of the ADHERE BRAZIL study, a cross-sectional, multicenter study of 1105 recipients of a kidney transplant from 20 kidney transplant centers. Using a multistage sampling method, patients were proportionally and randomly selected. Applying the Brief Physical Activity Assessment questionnaire, patients were classified as physically active (≥150min/wk) or physically inactive (<150min/wk). On the basis of an ecological model, 34 factors associated with physical inactivity were analyzed by sequential logistic regression. At the patient level, physical inactivity was associated with smoking (odds ratio = 2.43; 95% CI = 0.97-6.06), obesity (odds ratio = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.26-2.55), peripheral vascular disease (odds ratio = 3.18; 95% CI = 1.20-8.42), >3 posttransplant hospitalizations (odds ratio = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.17-2.13), family income of >1 reference salary ($248.28 per month; odds ratio = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.48-0.90), and student status (odds ratio = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.37-0.92). At the center level, the correlates were having exercise physiologists in the clinical team (odds ratio = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.46-0.64) and being monitored in a teaching hospital (undergraduate students) (odds ratio = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.01-2.13). This study identified factors associated with physical inactivity after kidney transplantation that may guide future multilevel behavioral change interventions for physical activity. In a multicenter sample of recipients of a kidney transplant with a prevalence of physical inactivity of 69%, we found associations between this behavior and patient- and center-level factors. At the patient level, the chance of physical inactivity was positively associated with smoking, obesity, and patient morbidity (peripheral vascular disease and hospitalization events after kidney transplantation). Conversely, a high family income and a student status negatively correlated with physical inactivity. At the center level, the presence of a dedicated professional to motivate physical activity resulted in a reduced chance of physical inactivity. A broad knowledge of barriers associated with physical inactivity can allow us to identify patients at a high risk of not adhering to the recommended levels of physical activity.

IJCM_122A: Factors affecting physical inactivity among youth

Background: Non-communicable diseases pose significant public health problem, and prevention efforts are mainly aimed at addressing their risk factors. Unhealthy lifestyle including physical inactivity gets initiated early in life. Hence identifying the factors associated with physical inactivity among youth is essential for developing targeted interventions. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with physical inactivity among youth in Kolar district, Karnataka. Methodology: The present study is a secondary data analysis of a cross- sectional study undertaken in the Kolar district of Karnataka. Information on various risk factors was collected as part of the Kolar Youth Health Survey. Physical inactivity is defined as any those achieving less than 600 MET minutes of physical activity in the previous week and was assessed using WHO tool GPAQ. Univariate and multivariate logistics regression analysis was undertaken to identify the factors associated with physical inactivity. Results: In Kolar, 82.7% of youth had less than recommended level of physical activity (&lt;600 MET minutes per week). Residing in urban area, being female increased the risk of physical inactivity. Individuals involved in occupations like cultivators, agricultural labourer’s and skilled workers had lower risk of physical inactivity. Students too had lower risk. Youth engaged in community volunteering activities had lower risk of physical inactivity. Some of the risk factors or risk conditions like smokeless tobacco use, gambling, anxiety, history of road traffic injury and unintentional injury lowered the risk of physical inactivity. Conclusion: The prevalence of physical inactivity is high among youth in the Kolar district. Some of the sociodemographic factors pertaining to youth increases the risk of physical inactivity and these information needs to be utilized for implementing targeted interventions. However, the association between smokeless tobacco use, gambling, anxiety and injury with physical inactivity needs further exploration.

Identifying the health benefits of city bike infrastructure expansion policy

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to understand how policy actions implemented by city governments to improve infrastructure within the built environment can in turn influence healthy behaviors and population health. The authors investigated the associations between policy actions implemented by city governments to improve biking infrastructure and multiple health outcomes including leisure-time physical inactivity, obesity and coronary heart disease (CHD). In addition, this study tested if bike use for commuting and leisure-time physical activity were mediators between policy actions to improve biking infrastructure and health outcomes, and whether the health effects of bike infrastructure were different in cities of different population density. We merged local sustainability survey data with city-level chronic disease measures for the largest cities in the U.S. (n = 457). Results from regressions using Ordinary Least Squares estimation and mediation tests showed policies implemented to improve biking infrastructure were associated with lower prevalence of leisure-time physical inactivity, obesity and CHD. These relationships were most notable in medium-density cities (1,500–3,000/sq. mi). Moreover, leisure-time physical activity and active commuting mediated the relationship between bike infrastructure improvement policies and health outcomes. This study demonstrated the value of a policy-based intervention in enhancing population health.

Heterogeneity in the Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors by Ethnicity and Birthplace Among Asian Subgroups: Evidence From the 2010 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey.

Asian people in the United States have different sociodemographic and health-related characteristics that might affect cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by ethnicity and birthplace. However, they are often studied as a monolithic group in health care research. This study aimed to examine heterogeneity in CVD risk factors on the basis of birthplace among the 3 largest Asian subgroups (Chinese, Asian Indian, and Filipino) compared with US-born non-Hispanic White (NHW) adults. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the 2010 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey data from 125 008 US-born and foreign-born Chinese, Asian Indian, Filipino, and US-born NHW adults. Generalized linear models with Poisson distribution were used to examine the prevalence and prevalence ratios of self-reported hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, smoking, and overweight/obesity among Asian subgroups compared with US-born NHW adults. The study included 118 979 US-born NHW and 6029 Asian adults who self-identified as Chinese (29%), Asian Indian (33%), and Filipino (38%). Participants' mean (±SD) age was 49±0.1 years, and 53% were females. In an adjusted analysis, foreign-born Asian Indians had significantly higher prevalence of diabetes, physical inactivity, and overweight/obesity; foreign-born Chinese had higher prevalence of physical inactivity, and foreign-born Filipinos had higher prevalence of all 5 CVD risk factors except smoking compared with NHW adults. This study revealed significant heterogeneity in the prevalence of CVD risk factors among Asian subgroups by ethnicity and birthplace, stressing the necessity of disaggregating Asian subgroup data. Providers should consider this heterogeneity in CVD risk factors and establish tailored CVD prevention plans for Asian subgroups.

Physical Activity Intervention for Urban Black Women With Asthma: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Efficacy Study.

Black women experience a higher prevalence of poor asthma outcomes and physical inactivity than their White counterparts. Black women comprise a particularly vulnerable group of patients with asthma, with some of the highest rates of asthma in adults, high health care use (emergency department visits and hospitalizations), and the highest crude asthma mortality rate of all race or ethnicity groups. Despite recommendations to engage in regular physical activity, fewer than 15% of Black women meet the 2008 National Physical Activity Guidelines, the lowest of all racial subgroups of adults. Given the connection between physical inactivity and poor asthma outcomes, addressing physical activity among Black women with asthma is imperative. This 2-arm randomized controlled trial aims to (1) determine the efficacy of a lifestyle walking intervention on asthma control compared to an education (control) group over 24 weeks, (2) examine the maintenance effects of the lifestyle walking intervention on asthma control at 48 weeks, (3) explore the behavioral mediators (eg, self-efficacy, social support, self-regulation, and daily physical activity levels) and contextual moderators (eg, baseline asthma severity, neighborhood environment, comorbid conditions, and social determinants of health) that contribute to treatment responsiveness, and (4) assess the reach and implementation potential of the intervention. The proposed study (ACTION [A Lifestyle Physical Activity Intervention for Minority Women with Asthma]) delivers a 24-week lifestyle walking intervention designed for and by urban Black women with asthma. Participants (n=224) will be recruited through 2 urban health care systems that care for a diverse Black population. Patients will be randomized to one of two groups: (1) ACTION intervention (group sessions, physical activity self-monitoring-Fitbit, and text-based support for step goal setting) or (2) education control (an individual asthma education session and SMS text messages related to asthma education). Outcome assessments will take place at baseline, 12, 24, and 48 weeks. The primary outcome is a change in asthma control from baseline to week 24 as assessed by the asthma control questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6). Secondary outcomes include asthma-related quality of life, health care use, and asthma exacerbations and behavioral outcomes such as self-efficacy, self-regulation, social support, and physical activity. This study was funded by the National Institute of Minority Health Disparities in August 2022. We pilot-tested our recruitment and intervention procedures and began recruitment in April 2023, with the enrollment of our first participant in May 2023. The anticipated completion of the study is April 2027. This study will deliver a new approach to physical activity interventions in Black women with asthma and help to provide guidance for addressing physical activity within this subgroup. This study will also provide a potential framework for future studies in minoritized populations with other disease conditions associated with low levels of physical activity. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05726487; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05726487. DERR1-10.2196/55700.

Assessment of the Health-Related Fitness among Healthcare Professionals

Assessment of the Health-Related Fitness among Healthcare Professionals

Prevalence of physical inactivity and associated factors among older adults in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

IntroductionOlder adults are increasing in number in both developed and developing countries. However, as the world’s aging population grows, the burden of diseases among older people also increases. Despite this, co-occurring health problems due to physical inactivity in older adults have become a concern, and physical inactivity can be caused by different conditions. As a result, for older adults to have better health outcomes, early diagnosis of physical activity status and prevention of non-communicable diseases are crucial. There is a lack of data on the prevalence and associated factors of physical inactivity among older adults that is scarce in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the study area, Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of physical inactivity among older adults in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2022.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1st to June 30th, 2022, in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. The data was collected by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, Volume 2 through face-to-face interviews among 838 participants. Data were entered into Epinfo version 7.1, then exported and analysed using the Statistical Package of Social Science version 25. A binary logistic regression model was performed to identify factors associated with physical inactivity. The result was considered statistically significant based on an adjusted odds ratio of 95% and a p-value less than 0.05.ResultThe prevalence of physical inactivity was 65.6% (95% CI: 62.1–68.9). Being female (AOR: 3.053, 95% CI:1.487–6.267), age group > = 80 (AOR: 4.082, 95% CI:1.234–13.497), primary school level (AOR: 3.020, 95% CI:1.433–6.367), no formal education (AOR: 8.573, 95% CI:2.843–25.847), unemployed (AOR: 10.273, 95% CI:5.628–18.753), and symptoms of depression (AOR: 7.152, 95% CI: 4.786–17.965) were significantly associated with physical inactivity.ConclusionPhysical inactivity was relatively high among older adults in Gondar town. Being female, older age, having low levels of education, being unemployed, and having depression symptoms were associated with physical inactivity. We suggest promoting the health benefits of physical activity among females by reducing their burden, older age groups, and unemployed older adults, and avoiding depression among individuals.

Predictors of physical inactivity among pregnant women.

It is recommended that pregnant women be physically active to promote maternal and child health. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of physical inactivity and its modifiable predictors in the three trimesters in Chinese pregnant women. Four hundred forty-four pregnant women completed the Pregnant Physical Activity Questionnaire in the first, second, and third trimesters. The prevalence of physical inactivity reached its highest (66.2%) in the first trimester and lowest (19.4%) in the second trimester. Pregnant women with inadequate physical activity knowledge and low self-efficacy were at higher risk for physical inactivity. Monitoring physical inactivity could be incorporated into antenatal care and start from the first trimester. Prenatal care professionals should take action to increase pregnant women's physical activity self-efficacy and knowledge to enhance their physical activity.

Association of physical activity with socio-economic status and chronic disease in older adults in China: cross-sectional findings from the survey of CLASS 2020 after the outbreak of COVID-19

BackgroundIn 2021, China had a population of 264·01 million individuals over the age of 60, indicating a high prevalence of chronic diseases. Among older adults, physical inactivity (PI) is a significant risk factor for chronic diseases. However, few studies have been conducted on the correlation of physical activity (PA) with the economic status, geography and chronic disease risks in Chinese elderly. The objectives of this study were to better understand the distribution of PA among older adults in China and its relationship with economic status, geography, and chronic disease risks.MethodsThis study utilized data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS) in 2020, post-COVID-19. The study employed a stratified, multistage, probabilistic sampling approach and included 11,396 adults over the age of 59 from 28 provinces in China. Data on demographics, the duration and intensity of PA, history of diseases and personalized factors influencing PA were collected via structured interviews by researchers. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis, employing a range of statistical methods including descriptive analysis, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, Bayesian networks, and chi-square tests.ResultsThe prevalence of PI among older adults over 59 in China is 28·82%. Significant regional differences were observed in the duration of PA at different intensities. Older adults residing in more economically developed areas were more likely to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and exhibited longer sedentary behavior. Economic status and urban-rural disparities consistently emerged as direct influential factors across all intensity types. Chronic disease risks were significantly lower in active older adults compared to inactive ones. Lack of social guidance, family support, and personal inclination towards sedentary behavior were the main personalized factors affecting PA among older adults, and these factors could be relatively easily modified.ConclusionsEconomic status, geography, and living areas (urban and rural) significantly influenced the distribution of physical activities in China. Particularly, economic status and living areas acted as direct factors. Older adults reaching the recommended standards for PA had significantly lower chronic disease risks, highlighting the importance of improving personalized factors which are crucial for promoting PA.

Monitoring risk factors for dementia in middle-aged and older adults: a longitudinal study.

To compare the prevalence of risk factors for dementia in middle-aged and older adults over a two-year period and to identify what variables in baseline were predictive of cognitive decline in the follow-up. Longitudinal and quantitative study, with follow-up evaluation after two years, conducted with 200 participants aged 45 years or more, registered in Primary Care Units. In the baseline (2018/2019) and follow-up (2021) assessments, sociodemographic data were collected, and cognitive performance and risk factors for dementia were evaluated (education, hearing loss, head trauma, high blood pressure, alcohol use, obesity, smoking, depressive symptoms, social isolation, physical inactivity, and diabetes mellitus). Data were compared using the McNemar's test. Individual multinomial logistic regression models were performed to identify the factors associated with cognitive decline after two years. The percentages of low education, traumatic brain injury, and smoking remained the same in both assessments. There was a significant increase in the prevalence of high blood pressure (from 55.0 to 62.0%) and physical inactivity (from 58.5 to 74.5%) and a significant reduction in social isolation (from 25.0 to 18.0%). Participants with depressive symptoms in baseline had a higher risk of cognitive decline in follow-up. There was an increase in the prevalence of high blood pressure and physical inactivity and a reduction in social isolation after two years. Depressive symptoms predict cognitive decline.

Chronic pain-mental health comorbidity and excess prevalence of health risk behaviours: a cross-sectional study.

Chronic musculoskeletal pain and anxiety/depression are significant public health problems. We hypothesised that adults with both conditions constitute a group at especially high risk of future cardiovascular health outcomes. To determine whether having comorbid chronic musculoskeletal pain and anxiety/depression is associated with the excess prevalence of selected known cardiovascular health risk behaviours. A cross-sectional survey of adults aged 35+ years randomly sampled from 26 GP practice registers in West Midlands, England. Respondents were classified into four groups based on self-reported presence/absence of chronic musculoskeletal pain (pain present on most days for six months) and anxiety or depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score 11+). Standardised binomial models were used to estimate standardised prevalence ratios and prevalence differences between the four groups in self-reported obesity, tobacco smoking, physical inactivity, and unhealthy alcohol consumption after controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation, employment status and educational attainment. The excess prevalence of each risk factor in the group with chronic musculoskeletal pain-anxiety/depression comorbidity was estimated. Totally, 14519 respondents were included, of whom 1329 (9%) reported comorbid chronic musculoskeletal pain-anxiety/depression, 3612 (25%) chronic musculoskeletal pain only, 964 (7%) anxiety or depression only, and 8614 (59%) neither. Those with comorbid chronic musculoskeletal pain-anxiety/depression had the highest crude prevalence of obesity (41%), smoking (16%) and physical inactivity (83%) but the lowest for unhealthy alcohol consumption (18%). After controlling for covariates, the standardised prevalence ratios and differences for the comorbid group compared with those with neither chronic musculoskeletal pain nor anxiety/depression were as follows: current smoking [1.86 (95% CI 1.58, 2.18); 6.8%], obesity [1.93 (1.76, 2.10); 18.9%], physical inactivity [1.21 (1.17, 1.24); 14.3%] and unhealthy alcohol consumption [0.81 (0.71, 0.92); -5.0%]. The standardised prevalences of smoking and obesity in the comorbid group exceeded those expected from simple additive interaction.

Racial/Ethnic Differences in Physical Activity in a Low-Income Sample in Texas.

National data reveal that the age-adjusted prevalence of leisure-time physical inactivity is higher among Blacks and Hispanics compared with Whites. However, these estimates do not consider nonleisure physical activity (PA). Also, race/ethnicity in these findings may by confounded by socioeconomic status disparities in PA. Here, we examine racial/ethnic differences in multiple measures of PA within a lower socioeconomic status sample. Participants in the current cross-sectional study (n = 1526 adults, aged ≥ 18y) were recruited from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education classes (nutrition education classes that target low-income people) in Texas. Self-report data were obtained using survey questionnaires in spring and fall 2018. PA outcomes of 4 different intensities were assessed: mean daily time spent walking, engaging in moderate and vigorous PA, and sitting. Additional PA-related measures included use and awareness of community PA resources. Linear regression models examined racial/ethnic differences in the 4 PA outcomes after adjusting for participant gender, age, household composition measures, and various socioeconomic status measures. In this low-income sample, Hispanic and Black participants spent 6 to 9 more minutes per day walking and engaging in moderate and vigorous PA compared with White/other participants (P < .05 for each measure). Conversely, White/other participants reported spending 82 more minutes sitting per day than Black and Hispanic participants (P < .01). Overall, Black participants were most likely to utilize community PA resources and report ease of engaging in exercise. Together, these results reveal greater engagement in PA by racial/ethnic minorities in low-income communities compared with Whites. Our results have implications for tailoring PA programming to these communities.

Successful Physical Activity Maintainers: Strategies and Characteristics of Young African American Women

African American (AA) women have disproportionately high physical inactivity and obesity prevalence rates in comparison to their gender and racial counterparts. AA women experience unique barriers to leisure-time physical activity (LTPA); however, methods to overcome these barriers are less developed. Therefore, this study used semistructured interviews to explore strategies of young, active AA women that support LTPA maintenance and to identify their psychosocial and behavioral characteristics. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long was also administered to provide descriptors of participants’ LTPA. Ten women (age: M = 26.1, SD = 1.7 years) who met national guidelines for aerobic or muscle-strengthening LTPA at least 6 months (aerobic LTPA: M = 2,578.0, SD = 1,228.5 metabolic equivalent-minutes [MET-min]/week; muscle-strengthening physical activity: M = 4.0, SD = 1.9 days/week) completed the study. Four categories emerged from the interviews: (a) early-life contributors to LTPA participation, (b) characteristics of current LTPA, (c) initiating LTPA participation, and (d) maintaining LTPA participation. Findings revealed participants identified weightlifting as a preferred type of LTPA, identified various planning/preparation methods to overcome LTPA challenges, and relied on social media to initiate and maintain LTPA. This study identified several strategies used by young AA women to maintain regular LTPA and program preferences. These data are important in this understudied group as similar strategies may help inactive young AA women overcome LTPA challenges and promote long-term adherence. This could help prevent health and physical activity disparities in this population.

Evaluation of Various Factors Associated with Morbidity Among the Students of Different Universities of District Shaheed Benazirabad

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of obesity, physical inactivity, and dietary habits among 300 university students in Shaheed Benazirabad, with half from the medical field. Data collected via a specific questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 25 revealed that 55.33% of medical students and 62% of non-medical students were inactive, while 34.66% of medical students and 28% of non-medical students were minimally inactive. Obesity rates were 8% among medical students and 4.66% among non-medical students, with 18.66% of medical students and 11.33% of non-medical students classified as overweight. The study concluded that university students in Shaheed Benazirabad exhibit a high prevalence of overweight/obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, particularly among females. Recommendations include promoting physical activity and healthier dietary habits among university students to address these concerns.

Trend of Risk Factors Changes for Cardiovascular Diseases in the Elderly Population in Iran

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among the elderly living in nursing homes in Tehran during 2009 and 2015. Materials and Methods: Samples were selected and evaluated from among the elderly population living in nursing homes in Tehran in two time periods of 2009 (n=310) and 2015 (n=310). Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire through a face to face interview and measurement of variables of blood pressure, body mass index, blood sugar and blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Results: The prevalence of heart disease, physical inactivity, overweight, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypertension, diabetes and smoking were significantly increased during a 7-year period, respectively by 19.9, 24.7, 20.8, 17.1, 13.6, 6.7, 4.7, 3 and 1.1% (P = 0.000). Conclusions: In this study, it was found that the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and its risk factors is high and is on the increase in geriatric sanatoriums in Tehran. Therefore, a detailed and comprehensive planning seems necessary in order to identify, prevent and control the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.[GMJ.2017;6(3):240-248] DOI:10.22086/gmj.v6i3.781

Comparative analysis of temporal trends of obesity and physical inactivity in Brazil and the USA (2011–2021)

BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity is rising in all subregions of America, including Brazil. To understand the obesity problem in Brazil better, a possible approach could be to analyze its obesity trend by comparing it with the reality of a country that went previously through the epidemiological transition, such as the USA. In addition, the obesity trend must be analyzed in comparison with obesity risk factors trends, such as the physical inactivity (PI) trend. Our aim was comparatively to analyze the temporal trends of obesity between Brazil and the USA from the perspective of temporal trends of PI.MethodsWe conducted a temporal trend study based on data from national cross-sectional surveys: the VIGITEL (Surveillance System for Factors of Health Risk and Protection for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey) for Brazil and the BRFSS (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) for the USA, comparing the annual prevalence of obesity and PI between 2011 and 2021. For the analysis of each temporal variation, linear regressions were performed with the Prais-Winsten test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was conducted to correlate the trends of the same variables between countries and of different variables within each country.ResultsConsidering the total sample, Brazil [coefficient (95%CI) 0.6 (0.4;0.7), p = 0.000] and the USA [coefficient (95%CI) 0.5 (0.5;0.6), p = 0.000] showed increasing trends in obesity. The tendency of PI was of stabilization in the two countries [Brazil: coefficient (95%CI) -0.03 (-0.3;0.2), p = 0.767 and USA coefficient (95%CI) -0.03 (-0.2;0.1), p = 0.584]. In addition, there was a correlation between obesity trends between Brazil and the USA (r = 0.971; p = 0.000), but there was no correlation between PI trends between the two countries, nor with obesity and PI trends within each country.ConclusionsIn the last decade, there was a trend towards increasing obesity and stabilization in PI, both in Brazil and the USA. However, there was no association between temporal trends in obesity and physical inactivity in both countries. Our data reinforce a call to action to prevent and control obesity, going with and beyond PI reduction.