Shaghayegh Hashemi Motlagh; Zahra Alam; Amir Dana; Sima Mokari Saei
Abstract
Background: While the beneficial effects of PA on the mental and physical well-being of elderly individuals are recognized, there has been little focus on its effects on older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to examine the correlations between ...
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Background: While the beneficial effects of PA on the mental and physical well-being of elderly individuals are recognized, there has been little focus on its effects on older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to examine the correlations between physical activity (PA) and depression, perceived health, physical function, and quality of life (QoL) among older women with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).Methods: This study employed a descriptive-correlation design. The statistical population comprised women with MCI (scoring 21 to 24 on the Mini–Mental State Examination) over 65 years residing in nursing homes in Tehran, Iran in 2023. The sample of this study consisted of 334 women (mean age=69.12±3.68) with MCI who were selected using a purposive sampling method. Standard tools were utilized for measuring PA, depression, balance, muscle strength, and QoL, respectively. Perceived health status was assessed using one item. Pearson correlation test and independent t-test were employed for data analysis.Results: The results showed that 66% of the entire sample suffered from depression. The participants engaged, on average, in 14.69 minutes of moderate physical activity (MPA) per day. Only 22% of the participants met the WHO’s guidelines of 30 minutes of MPA daily. It was found that higher MPA was significantly correlated with lower depression (P<0.001) and higher perceived health, physical function (both balance and muscle strength), and QoL (all P<0.001). On the other hand, higher sedentary time was significantly correlated with higher depression (P<0.001) and lower perceived health, physical function (both balance and muscle strength), and QoL (all P<0.001).Conclusions: The results suggested that strategies to improve health-oriented PA status in the elderly with MCI are necessary. In this regard, it is especially recommended that nurses plan recreational physical and sports activities for the elderly in groups or individually so that they can enjoy the benefits of PA.
Ali Khanzad; Sheida Ranjbari; Amir Dana; Shaghayegh Hashemi Motlagh
Abstract
Background: The relationship between mindfulness and the repercussions of obesity, particularly in girls, has received limited attention. Consequently, the current research aimed to explore the correlation between mindfulness and social anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, and physical activity (PA) participation ...
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Background: The relationship between mindfulness and the repercussions of obesity, particularly in girls, has received limited attention. Consequently, the current research aimed to explore the correlation between mindfulness and social anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, and physical activity (PA) participation in obese teenage girls.Methods: The research was a descriptive-correlational study conducted from October 2022 to May 2023 in Tehran, Iran. The statistical population for this study comprised obese teenage girls aged 13 to 15 attending their first secondary school. The study sample consisted of 384 obese teenage girls selected through convenience sampling. Standard instruments were employed to assess mindfulness, social anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, and PA participation. Data analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation test and ANOVA, facilitated by SPSS version 26.Results: The results indicated that, on average, participants engaged in 13.01±3.02 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily. Furthermore, teenage girls exhibited relatively high levels of social anxiety (mean=39.79±8.85) and depression (mean=9.55±2.67). Moreover, there were significant correlations between mindfulness and reduced levels of social anxiety and depression (both P<0.001). Finally, significant associations were observed between mindfulness, higher self-efficacy, and increased PA (P<0.001).Conclusions: These findings suggested a link between mindfulness and reducing the adverse consequences of obesity in teenage girls. In this regard, reinforcing mindfulness practices can prove an effective way for reducing anxiety and depression. Such practices may encompass meditation, mindful breathing, mindful observation, attention to the surrounding environment, heightened awareness, and mindful listening.
Tayebeh Baniasadi; Sheida Ranjbari; Ali Abedini; Amir Dana; Saeed Ghorbani
Abstract
Background: Internet addiction is nowadays believed to be the most prevalent harm that currently affects families, especially teenagers and young adults. In the current research, we aimed to further delve into it by examining the association of Internet addiction with mental health and physical activity ...
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Background: Internet addiction is nowadays believed to be the most prevalent harm that currently affects families, especially teenagers and young adults. In the current research, we aimed to further delve into it by examining the association of Internet addiction with mental health and physical activity in teenage girls, considering the mediating role of parental attitude toward Internet use.Methods: Herein, 459 girls attending state schools of Tehran, Iran in 2022 were recruited utilizing convenience sampling method. The mean age of these girls was 12.21±1.28 years old. Standard instruments were used for assessing physical activity, mental health, and parental attitude toward Internet use. Pearson correlation test and structural equation modelling were also utilized for data analysis.Results: The present study revealed that on average, teenage girls had low levels of physical activity (1.97±1.54). In addition, they were found to use a relatively high amount of the Internet (2.18±1.76). Moreover, Internet addition was significantly and directly associated with mental health (depression, T=5.769; anxiety, T=3.332; stress, T=4.529). This issue was also significantly and indirectly associated with physical activity (T=-6.482). Finally, parental attitude had a significant mediating role in the association of Internet addition with mental health and physical activity (both P<0.001).Conclusions: Our results indicated that parents should receive some necessary training on the use of the Internet at home both for themselves and their children so that they can better control over the development process of their children.
Amir Dana; Kamelia Abdi; Mirhamid Salehian; Sima Mokari Saei
Abstract
Background: The effects of the coronavirus outbreak on the psychological and physical wellbeing of teenage girls is not well understood. Herein, one of the important mental health-related variables is introduced to be psychosocial distress (PSD). The current research aimed to explore the status of PSD ...
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Background: The effects of the coronavirus outbreak on the psychological and physical wellbeing of teenage girls is not well understood. Herein, one of the important mental health-related variables is introduced to be psychosocial distress (PSD). The current research aimed to explore the status of PSD in teenage girls during the coronavirus outbreak considering the impact of physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST).Methods: This research utilized a descriptive-correlation method. We selected 384 teenage girls (mean age 16.93±0.72 years) in Iran, in 2020, using a convenience sampling procedure. The participants were healthy and without any physical or mental disabilities. They completed the standard questionnaires including the COVID-19-Related Psychological Distress Scale, Physical Activity Behavior in Leisure-Time Scale, and Adolescent Sedentary Activity Questionnaire. Spearman correlation test and structural equation modelling were utilized for data analysis.Results: Our findings revealed that the psychosocial status of adolescent girls during the coronavirus outbreak was 41.50 out of 70. The subjects who were more physically active had lower levels of PSD (r=-0.627, P<0.001, whereas those with higher ST reported higher scores in PSD status (r=0.481, P<0.001).Conclusions: The results of the current research demonstrate that PSD and PA are significant challenges threatening the health of teenage girls during the coronavirus outbreak. Accordingly, it is essential to adopt appropriate procedures to enhance PA and reduce ST of teenage girls.
Zahra Chaharbaghi; Fatemeh Beigom Hosseini; Tayebeh Baniasadi; Lida Moradi; Amir Dana
Abstract
Background: A significant factor associated with well-being and health is to find a method which can increase resilience during the pandemics. The present research aimed to examine the impact of physical activity level on resilience of teenage girls during the COVID-19 pandemic with an emphasis on self-esteem ...
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Background: A significant factor associated with well-being and health is to find a method which can increase resilience during the pandemics. The present research aimed to examine the impact of physical activity level on resilience of teenage girls during the COVID-19 pandemic with an emphasis on self-esteem as a mediator.Methods: The present study utilized a descriptive-correlation approach. The statistical sample included 384 teenage females from Golestan, Iran, in 2020. We employed standard surveys for collecting the data. Statistical methods included Kolmogorov- Smirnov test, Spearman correlation test, and structural relationships through Lisrel.Results: Physical activity was found to affect resilience (β=0.396, T=6.284) and self-esteem (β=0.628, T=11.594). Furthermore, self-esteem significantly affected resilience (β=0.530, T=9.509). Finally, self-esteem significantly mediated the correlation between physical activity and resilience (Z=6.780, p <0.001).Conclusions: Physical activity could be considered as an important factor in coping with severe condition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, in a pandemic situation, by increasing physical activity, better conditions can be created for children and adolescents, especially girls, to ensure their resilience.
