Madeline A Foster; Lisa McDermott; Alec Knight
Abstract
Background: Each year, twice as many women than men are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). As there is no known cure for AD, preventing it has become a vital public health issue. One lifestyle intervention that may reduce the risk of AD is physical activity (PA). This scoping review aimed ...
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Background: Each year, twice as many women than men are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). As there is no known cure for AD, preventing it has become a vital public health issue. One lifestyle intervention that may reduce the risk of AD is physical activity (PA). This scoping review aimed to examine the existing literature on PA and AD risk to identify whether PA has a sex-specific effect on AD risk in women.Methods: A scoping review was conducted based on PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Cochrane recommended databases, MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO were searched via Ovid between May and June 2022. Articles were screened at the title, abstract, and full-text level for inclusion criteria (female participants, results reported by sex, PA, or exercise reported separately from other variables, and participants with no known cognitive impairment). For each study, sample characteristics, PA and AD measures, follow-up times, and results were summarized.Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, and their results were assessed for quality using the Cochrane GRADE tool. Most studies (80%) reported significant results for females. When broken down by sex, six studies reported differences in result significance with some studies finding that PA can reduce AD risk in women but not in men. Increased weekly PA sessions, duration, and intensity all significantly reduced AD risk for women.Conclusion: While there are some limitations, including reliance on self-report, short follow-up times, and variations in AD and PA measures, the results have important implications. Findings may facilitate the development of tailored interventions that target women with unique lifestyle recommendations and inspire future research on the specifics of PA type, timing, and duration.
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.
Kamelia Abdi; Fatemeh Beigom Hosseini; Zahra Chaharbaghi; Saeed Ghorbani
Abstract
Background: Living with a better quality is considered as the main challenge for the elderly in new century. Therefore, examining the wellbeing and quality of life of the elderly has become a necessity. The purpose of this study was to test a conceptual model that examines the associations between social ...
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Background: Living with a better quality is considered as the main challenge for the elderly in new century. Therefore, examining the wellbeing and quality of life of the elderly has become a necessity. The purpose of this study was to test a conceptual model that examines the associations between social support with wellbeing and health-related quality of life in elderly women while considering physical activity as a mediator.Methods: The present study used a structural equation modelling approach. Participants were 384 elderlies (mean age of 62.22±10.55 years) from Golestan province, Iran in 2020. They were over 60 years old without any physical or mental disabilities. The participants fulfilled standard questionnaires (Perceived Social Support Scale, Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity, and Adult Well-Being Assessment). Spearman correlation test and structural equation modelling using Lisrel were employed to analyze data.Results: Findings showed that perceived social support directly affected physical activity (β=0.409, T=6.631), wellbeing (β=0.429, T=7.701), and health-related quality of life (β=0.473, T=7.927). Moreover, physical activity directly affected wellbeing (β=0.231, T=3.217) and health-related quality of life (β=0.627, T=10.649). Finally, physical activity acted as a significant mediator in the associations between perceived social support with wellbeing (Z=5.449, p <0.001) and health-related quality of life (Z=5.930, p <0.001).Conclusion: Social support and physical activity are critical concerns for elderly women. Appropriately, it is essential to embrace fitting procedures to increase social support and an active lifestyle among this population.
Maryam Baradaran-Binazir; Ramak Zavvarkabeh; Fariba Heidari
Abstract
Background: Women are less likely to meet the suggested levels of physical activity compared to men, particularly in the rural setting. For this reason, community-based interventions associated with physical activity were developed to improve physical activity in village women. We conducted the present ...
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Background: Women are less likely to meet the suggested levels of physical activity compared to men, particularly in the rural setting. For this reason, community-based interventions associated with physical activity were developed to improve physical activity in village women. We conducted the present study to explore the experience of target group in term of physical activity to identify factors that could be strengthened and the weaknesses that could be improved. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted applying content analysis. The study setting was Saied Abad, a village in the northwest of Iran. The data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted between August 2018 and January 2019. All the participants were rural women, who had experienced at least once doing physical activity in the community-based intervention named Women’s Park. Results: The findings were classified into two main categories and six subcategories: (a) intrapersonal facilitators, such as habituation, (b) interpersonal facilitators, such as family support, (c) environmental facilitators, such as practical activities, (d) intrapersonal barriers, such as lack of time due to family responsibilities, (e) interpersonal barriers, such as not having the support of friends, and (f) environmental barriers, such as cost. Conclusion: In the rural women’s experience, the factors affecting doing physical activity were both facilitators and barriers. This study demonstrated that in addition to the intrapersonal factors, doing physical activity is affected by interpersonal and environmental factors. These findings will be helpful in promoting community-based interventions and scheduling rural women’s health promotion behaviors.
Abbas Saremi; Alireza Bahrami; Mohammad Parastesh; Mina Ranjbar
Abstract
Background: Identification of body mass and physical activity status in women may be helpful for improving their reproductive health. The purpose of the current research was to analyze and compare the body mass index (BMI) and physical activity level (PAL) among women with and without infertility. Methods: ...
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Background: Identification of body mass and physical activity status in women may be helpful for improving their reproductive health. The purpose of the current research was to analyze and compare the body mass index (BMI) and physical activity level (PAL) among women with and without infertility. Methods: This descriptive-analytical research was conducted on 150 infertile women who referred to therapeutic centers of Shahrekord to treat infertility and 150 fertile women using filed study method. Physical activity questionnaire was then filled in by these women. The height and weight were measured using Seca stadiometer and digital scale based on standard methods, and then, BMI was calculated and the values were compared. The Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze data and the significance level was considered p <0.05. Results: The physical activity score of infertile women was estimated to be low in this study that indicates sporting inactivity or very low PAL in subjects. The overall prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity in infertile subjects were 8.7%, 26.7%, 34.7%, and 30%, respectively. The frequency of overweight and obesity was reported to be significantly higher in these subjects. The physical activity score of fertile women was estimated to be medium, and the prevalence of underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity in fertile subjects were 29.8%, 40.4%, 17.2%, and 11.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Results from the study emphasize the importance of body composition and creation of interest among women to do exercise and gain normal weight and keep it off to achieve healthy fertility
Shervin Assari
Volume 6, Issue 3 , July 2019, , Pages 16-21
Abstract
Background: Minorities’ diminished returns (MDRs) refer to smaller protects health effects of socioeconomic status (SES) indicators for Blacks and other minority groups than Whites. Objectives: The current study aimed to explore Black-White differences in the association between educational attainment ...
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Background: Minorities’ diminished returns (MDRs) refer to smaller protects health effects of socioeconomic status (SES) indicators for Blacks and other minority groups than Whites. Objectives: The current study aimed to explore Black-White differences in the association between educational attainment and exercise frequency among women in the US.
Methods: For the current study, we used the National Survey of American Life’s (NSAL) data, which included 3175womenwhowere either White (n = 876) or Black (n = 2299). The independent variable was educational attainment. The dependent variable was exercise frequency. Age, region, household income, financial distress, marital status, unemployment, and depression were the covariates. Race was the focal moderator. Linear regression was applied for data analysis.
Results: In the overall sample of women, high educational attainment was associated with higher exercise frequency (b = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.02 - 0.12). Race and educational attainment showed a significant interaction (b = -0.09, 95% CI = -0.19 - 0.00), suggestive of a smaller effect of education attainment on exercise frequency for Black women than White women. In race specific models, high educational attainment was associated with higher exercise frequency for White (b = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.04 - 0.20) but not Black (b = 0.03, 95% CI = -0.03-0.08) women.
Conclusions: In line with the past research on MDRs, White women gain more health from their educational attainment than Black women. It is not race or class but race and class that shape the health behaviors of American women.
Chidozie Emmanuel Mbada; Hamdalah A Adesunkanmi; Okechukwu Ernest Orji; David Olakorede; Adebanjo Babalola Adeyemi; Esther Kikelomo Afolabi; Chidiebele Petronilla Ojukwu; Abolaji Blessed Adeyemi; Olabisi Aderonke Akinwande; Moses Oluwatosin Makinde; Dolapo Adeola Ojo
Volume 6, Issue 3 , July 2019, , Pages 22-30
Abstract
Background: Physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are significantly affected in pregnancy.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess these constructs among Nigerian pregnant women and also examine the relationship between them.
Methods: A total of 140 pregnant women ...
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Background: Physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are significantly affected in pregnancy.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess these constructs among Nigerian pregnant women and also examine the relationship between them.
Methods: A total of 140 pregnant women were recruited from four selected antenatal clinics in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, who participated in this cross-sectional study. The pregnancy physical activity questionnaire (PPAQ); consisting of 33 questions aimed at evaluating different day to day activities and SF-12 health survey; an eight scale grouped questionnaire were used to assess PA and HRQoL, respectively. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage) and inferential statistics (Pearson product moment correlation and one-way ANOVA) were used for data analysis. Alpha level was set at P < 0.05.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 30.4±4.33 years. Household (347.0±452.1) and vigorous intensity (14.3±30.8) PA constituted the highest and least forms of PA. On the other hand, role limitation-physical (82.0±18.3) and health perception (82.0±18.0), and role limitation-mental (54.2±50), respectively were the highest and least rated scales on SF-12. The HRQoL scores were not significantly different (P > 0.05) across the three trimesters of pregnancy except for physical functioning (P = 0.023). However, there were significant differences in PA across the three trimester of pregnancy (P < 0.05), except for vigorous intensity (P = 0.072), sport (P = 0.057), and occupational activity (P = 0.057). There were significant correlations among HRQoL sub-scales and each household, occupational, and moderate intensity PA only (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Light to moderate intensity and household PA are predominant among Nigerian pregnant women than vigorous intensity, occupational, and sports-related PA. Higher health perception and physical role limitation in HRQoL were mostly demonstrated by the pregnant women. There was a significant inverse relationship between HRQoL and each of moderate intensity, occupational, and household PA.
Chidozie Emmanuel Mbada; Okechukwu Ernest Orji; Ademola Matthew Iyiola; Adebanjo Babalola Adeyemi; Esther Kikelomo Afolabi; Ojukwu Chidiebele Petronilla; Abolaji Blessed Adeyemi; Olabisi Aderonke Akinwande; Moses Oluwatosin Makinde
Abstract
Background: Physical inactivity and fatigue are two common phenomena in pregnancy with attendant negative consequences. However, reports on the nexus between physical activity (PA) and fatigue seems to be sparse in literature.
Objectives: This study evaluated levels and correlation between PA and pregnancy-related ...
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Background: Physical inactivity and fatigue are two common phenomena in pregnancy with attendant negative consequences. However, reports on the nexus between physical activity (PA) and fatigue seems to be sparse in literature.
Objectives: This study evaluated levels and correlation between PA and pregnancy-related fatigue among Nigerian pregnant women.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 189 consenting pregnant women from five selected health facilities in Osun State, south west, Nigeria, yielding a response rate of 94.5%. PA and fatigue were assessed using the pregnancy physical activity questionnaire and fatigue symptoms checklist over a three-month period (July to September, 2016). Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Significant level was set at P < 0.05.
Results: The mean age of respondents in this study was 29.8 ± 5.11 years. The highest and least form of PA was household (1263 ± 633.4) and vigorous intensity (6.4 ± 6.8) PA. Fatigue was most severe in the third trimester of the pregnancy (48.7 ± 11.7) and least in the second trimester (43.7 ± 8.1). There was a significant difference in the fatigue scores across trimesters of pregnancy (P = 0.042), while there was no significant difference in the PA scores across trimesters of pregnancy (P > 0.05). There was a significant relationship between total PA and fatigue (r = 0.195; P = 0.009).
Conclusions: Nigerian pregnant women seem averred to vigorous intensity, occupational, and sports related PA; however, they are mostly involved in light intensity and household physical activity. Pregnancy-related fatigue is dominant in the third trimester and least severe in the second trimester. There is significant relationship between pregnancy-related fatigue and physical activity except sedentary, moderate intensity, and occupational physical activity.
