Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Outcome of structured health education intervention for obesity‑risk reduction among junior high school students: Stratified cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) in South India

. Jaun Z. Rizvi; . Pawan Kumar; . Muralidhar M. Kulkarni; . Asha Kamath

Volume 12, Issue 11 , December 2022, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Obesity has been identified as a serious global health concern whose prevalencedoubles almost every 10 years. Health education regarding physical activity and healthy diet ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Obesity has been identified as a serious global health concern whose prevalencedoubles almost every 10 years. Health education regarding physical activity and healthy diet impartedto adolescents could prove to be fruitful in reducing obesity‑risk. Objectives of this study were toevaluate the effect of health education intervention on knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP)regarding obesity‑risk reduction and to estimate the postinterventional change in body massindex (BMI) and total body fat (%) among adolescent school children in South India.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stratified cluster randomized controlled trial was carried out among398 students recruited at baseline including 206 and 192 participants in intervention and controlgroup respectively selected through simple random sampling from eligible government aided andprivate schools to assess KAP regarding physical activity and diet using pretested and validatedquestionnaire by making three school visits 6 months apart. Anthropometric measurements wererecorded in first and third visit only, while health education intervention was given in first visit tointervention and third visit to control group after taking their responses on the questionnaire. Datawere entered and analyzed using SPSS version 15.RESULTS: Overall dropout rate was 13.5% with dropout in intervention and control group being12.6% and 14.5% respectively, making 180 participants in intervention and 164 in control groupavailable for analysis. Mean physical activity KAP score improved significantly from 16.19 ± 4.61to 19.46 ± 10.07 in intervention group. Mean dietary KAP score also improved significantly from21.38 ± 4.07 to 23.43 ± 4.53 in intervention group (p < 0.001). Mean BMI decreased significantlywithin intervention group (p < 0.001) as compared to control group (p = 0.908). Based on cut‑off levelfor total body fat (%) to categorize obesity‑risk among participants, statistically significant decline inproportions from 26.1% to 13.3% was observed in intervention group (p < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Results depicted better KAP in intervention group than control group in all the threevisits while it improved significantly within both groups. Hence, the health education was found tobe effective in improving the overall KAP regarding modifiable risk factors of obesity among thestudy participants. Further studies to screen the adolescents for obesity‑risk and successive healtheducation sessions must be carried within schools in order to bring about change in knowledge,attitude, and practices regarding obesity‑risk.

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Perceived behavioral control regarding regular physical activity and healthy diet: An observational study among school‑going adolescents in an urban area of West Bengal, India

. Sweety Suman Jha; . Madhumita Dobe; . Chandrashekhar Taklikar; . Arista Lahiri

Volume 12, Issue 7 , August 2022, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Healthy children are the foundation for a healthy and developing nation. Perceivedbehavioral control (PBC), comprising control belief and perceived power, is a person’s ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Healthy children are the foundation for a healthy and developing nation. Perceivedbehavioral control (PBC), comprising control belief and perceived power, is a person’s perception ofthe ease or difficulty of performing the behavior of interest. For facilitating regular physical activity andregular healthy dietary practices among the adolescents, PBC is an important construct to developand implement appropriate interventions. The aim is to assess PBC to perform regular physicalactivity and regular healthy dietary practices and measure their statistical relationship among theschool‑going adolescents in an urban area in West Bengal.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A school‑based cross‑sectional study was conducted among 251adolescents aged 12–16 years after taking consent and assent for participation in the study. Datawere collected with self‑administered questionnaire on sociodemographic variables and the twodomains of PBC, i.e., control beliefs and perceived power, related to regular physical activity andregular healthy dietary practices. Each PBC total score was calculated by multiplying control beliefscore and perceived power score for each respondent. Partial correlation coefficient was calculatedbetween regular healthy dietary practices and regular physical activity.RESULTS: Among the total 251 responses analyzed, 34.7% and 27.5% students belonged to agegroup 14 and 15, respectively. It was observed that the mean (± standard deviation) score of PBCregarding regular healthy dietary practices was 100.7 (±27.7) and for regular physical activity was106.0 (±21.4). The correlation between PBC of regular healthy dietary practices and regular physicalactivity was 0.421 and was statistically significant.CONCLUSION: In case PBC score over any behavior is higher, behavioral intention and ultimatelychances of performing that particular behavior increases. Designing appropriate school‑based healthpromotion strategies can lead to healthier children fostering regular healthy dietary practices andregular physical activity in their homes and communities.

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Physical activity patterns of university students during the COVID‑19 pandemic: The impact of state anxiety

. Youssra Amekran; . Abdelkader Jalil El Hangouche

Volume 12, Issue 4 , April 2022, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID‑19) and resulting restrictions have impacted populations’ lifestyles and posed a challenge regarding their behaviors, including physical activity ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID‑19) and resulting restrictions have impacted populations’ lifestyles and posed a challenge regarding their behaviors, including physical activity (PA). This study aimed to evaluate PA patterns of university students during the COVID‑19 outbreak. We also analyzed the association of participants’ characteristics, including their level of anxiety, under the pandemic conditions, with adherence to the world health organization (WHO) recommendations for PA.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study comprised 717 Moroccan university students recruited during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ V.2) was used to evaluate PA. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and anxiety levels were also collected. Anxiety was assessed using State‑Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was carried out. The association between participants’ characteristics and PA was studied using regression models.RESULTS: Of all participants, 33.2% did not achieve the recommended levels of PA. The daily median (25th–75th percentile) time spent in PA was 34.3 min (12.7–98.6), whereas the median time of sedentariness was 10 h per day (6–14). Multivariate analysis showed that female sex (OR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.44–0.90; P < 0.05) and high level of state anxiety (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.20–0.92; P < 0.05) were negatively associated with the achievement of the WHO recommended PA.CONCLUSION: The reported PA patterns of university students during the current outbreak should be taken into account and evoke the necessity of encouraging this population to adhere to the recommended PA levels. Targeting state anxiety related to the conditions we are facing may have a promising effect on the promotion of PA.

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A comparative study on the health‑promoting behaviors of patients with and without hypertensive heart disease in Iran

. Parastoo Baharvand; . Farideh Malekshahi; . Nafiseh Gheydar

Volume 12, Issue 2 , February 2022, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Health‑promoting behaviors can affect the psychological and physical consequences of hypertension. For the prevention and control of hypertension, lifestyle modification ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Health‑promoting behaviors can affect the psychological and physical consequences of hypertension. For the prevention and control of hypertension, lifestyle modification has been recommended. This study aimed to investigate the health‑promoting behaviors of patients with hypertensive heart disease in Iran and compare them with those of healthy people.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive comparative study with cross‑sectional design. Participants were 141 patients with hypertensive heart disease (mean age = 39 ± 10.2 years) referred to the cardiac clinic of Madani Hospital in Khorramabad, Iran, and 141 healthy people selected from those referred to the hospital. The Persian version of the revised Health‑Promoting Lifestyle Profile‑II (HPLP‑II) was used to evaluate the health‑promoting behaviors of participants. After collecting data, they were analyzed in SPSS v. 22 software using descriptive statistics and statistical tests including independent t‑test and one‑way ANOVA.RESULTS: The overall HPLP‑II score was 142.34 ± 30.48 in patients and 150.52 ± 37.07 in controls. The highest and lowest HPLP‑II dimension scores in both groups were related to health responsibility and stress management dimensions. There was a significant difference between groups only in dimensions of nutrition (P = 0.017) and physical activity (P = 0.016), and in the overall score (P = 0.044), whose scores were lower in patients compared to controls. The difference in HPLP‑II score of patients with different demographic characteristics (marital status, place of residence, gender, age, educational level, and occupation) was not statistically significant.CONCLUSION: Patients with heart disease caused by high blood pressure in Iran have poorer diet and physical activity compared to healthy people. Educational interventions with a focus on the importance of dietary regime and exercise are recommended for them.

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Identifying drivers and factors affecting behavioral risk factors of noncommunicable diseases: A scoping review

. Saeide Alidoost; . Mohammadreza Maleki; . Hamid Pourasghari

Volume 11, Issue 9 , October 2021, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: A large proportion of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) can be prevented byreducing unhealthy nutrition, inadequate physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The ...  Read More BACKGROUND: A large proportion of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) can be prevented byreducing unhealthy nutrition, inadequate physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The highburden of NCDs underlines the need for a greater understanding of the causes of these risk factors.This paper aims to identify factors affecting smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy nutrition, andinadequate physical activity in current and future times.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scoping review was conducted in Iran University of MedicalSciences, Tehran, Iran, in 2020 to identify factors affecting smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthynutrition, and inadequate physical activity. The review was guided by the five‑step Arksey and O’Malleymodel. A deductive qualitative content analysis was employed to identify the factors synthesizedthrough descriptive and narrative synthesis. The search was conducted in English without daterestrictions up to January 2020.RESULTS: We identified 1437 studies through database search and other sources and finally included72 studies in the review. The content analysis of the data led to the identification of 27 factors affectingsmoking, alcohol consumption, nutrition, and physical activity. The factors categorized into social,technological, environmental, economic, political, and values factors.CONCLUSION: Political and economic factors have a significant effect on all risk factors, and it isnecessary to take comprehensive measures to improve these factors. Technological factors have agreater impact on healthy nutrition. Physical activity is more affected by environmental factors thanother risk factors. However, smoking and alcohol consumption are more influenced by social factorsand individual attitudes.

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Mobile‑application intervention on physical activity of pregnant women in Iran during the COVID‑19 epidemic in 2020

. Neda Kiani; . Asiyeh Pirzadeh

Volume 11, Issue 8 , September 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Considering the low level of physical activity in pregnant women in the COVID‑19pandemic period, and on the other hand, the benefits of mobile application (mobile app) ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Considering the low level of physical activity in pregnant women in the COVID‑19pandemic period, and on the other hand, the benefits of mobile application (mobile app) learning,we decided to conduct a study to determine the impact of educational intervention based on mobileapp on physical activity in pregnant women.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was quasi‑experimental and examined 93 pregnantwomen aged 16–20 weeks of gestation. Sampling was done on pregnant women participating inthe childbirth preparation classes in Isfahan. We used the validated and reliable questionnaireincluding perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived enjoyment, perceived social support,and Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. The intervention was based on mobile app, and thecontent of the application contained 12 main domains such as description of physical activity andbenefits and barriers of exercise in the pregnancy, different types of proper pregnancy exercise,planning for exercise, and different types of exercise. Finally, data were analyzed using SPSS20,and the Chi‑square test, independent t‑test Paired t‑test were employed. The significance level wasconsidered to be <0.05.RESULTS: The results showed that, after the intervention based on mobile app, the mean scoreof perceived benefits and enjoyment were significantly higher than before the intervention inthe intervention group. Finally, total mean score of physical activity significantly increased in theintervention group, while the change decreased in the control group.CONCLUSION: The results indicated that the use of mobile app can be used to promote physicalactivity in pregnant women. Therefore, it is recommended that mobile app education should applywith face‑to‑face classes in health centers for physical activity in pregnant women in the pandemicsituation.

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Lifestyle intervention for gestational diabetes prevention in rural woman of Shoush city

. Zahra Karimipour; . Nasibeh Sharifi; . Hossein Seydkhani; . Hojat Sayadi; . Mohsen Jalilian

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Physical activity and nutrition interventions are the most important ways to preventgestational diabetes. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of healthy ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Physical activity and nutrition interventions are the most important ways to preventgestational diabetes. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of healthy lifestyleintervention to promote preventive behaviors of gestational diabetes in the rural woman of Shoush city.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an experimental study, 60 pregnant women were selected usingsimple random sampling and allocate into intervention group (n = 30) and nutrition program. Thestudy was conducted from September to June 2018. The data were collected in baseline and 1 monthand 3 months of follow‑up phase and were analyzed using Chi‑square test, repeated‑measure test,and generalized linear model (GLM). The α = 0.05 was considered as significance.RESULTS: The mean age in the intervention and control group was 25.9 ± 5.6 and 27.2 ± 5.9,respectively. The GLM test showed a significant increase in the physical activity level and the meanof nutrition behaviors within the intervention group over time (P = 0.013). Further, based on the resultsof repeated‑measure test, the mean of weekly MET‑minute was increased in the intervention groupin comparison to the control group at 1 month and 3 months of follow‑up (P < 0.001).DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The lifestyle interventions are appropriate programs to thereduction of the risk of development of gestational diabetes in pregnant women.

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Relationship between physical activity, academic achievement, gender, and learning styles in students of a Latin American Dental School: A cross‑sectional study

. Carlos Martín Ardila; . Ángela María Gómez‑Restrepo

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Little is known about the inference that physical activity (PA) may have on academicperformance and learning styles of Latin American dental students.MATERIALS AND METHODS: ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Little is known about the inference that physical activity (PA) may have on academicperformance and learning styles of Latin American dental students.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross‑sectional study, an administrative dataset and a voluntaryuniversity characterization provided information about PA and academic performance. Moreover, 218dental students of the University of Antioquia in Colombia completed a structured questionnaire toidentify their learning styles. To analyze the information obtained a Pearson correlation, and logisticand linear regression models were implemented.RESULTS: A total of 131 (60%) students informed being physically active (PA group), and 87 (40%)did not report PA (non‑PA group). The results showed a high‑grade point average (GPA) in thePA group (P = 0.01). The PA group showed a preference for the theorist and pragmatist learningstyles with statistically significant differences between the groups (P = 0.004 and P < 0.0001,respectively). It was also observed a statistically significant Pearson positive correlation between thetheorist style and higher GPA (r = 0.15; P = 0.04). The multivariate regression model showed thatPA protects against lower means of GPA (odds ratio = 0.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09–0.7,P = 0.01). Furthermore, the adjusted linear regression models also showed that PA protects againstlower means of the theorist (β= −0.15; 95% CI: −0.02 to − 0.002, P = 0.002) and pragmatist styles(β= −0.18; 95% CI: −0.03 to − 0.006, P = 0.0006). Interestingly, men were statistically significant inall multivariable models.DISCUSSION: This study suggests that PA is associated with higher academic performance andthe theorist and pragmatist styles. Male students were also more physically active; therefore, it isrelevant to establish strategies to stimulate physical activities in dental students, especially in women,including extracurricular activities.

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Investigation of health‑promoting behaviors of employees of medical university: A perspective from West of Iran

. Samaneh Tahmasebi Ghorabi; . Mohsen Jalilian; . Jamil Sadeghifar; . Mohammad Sadegh Abedzadeh Zavareh

Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Employees spend most of their time at work, and hence, it is important to payattention to health‑promoting behaviors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Employees spend most of their time at work, and hence, it is important to payattention to health‑promoting behaviors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate thestatus of health‑promoting behaviors of employees in the Medical University of Ilam‑Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional, descriptive study has been conducted bythe participation of 208 employees, whom selected through the simple random sampling method.In the present study, participants completed Walker’s Health Promoting Life Style Profile II in theself‑report form. The gathered data were analyzed using software at the significant level of 0.05.Data were analyzed by the independent samples t‑test, one‑way analysis of variance, and Pearsoncorrelation coefficients.RESULTS: The highest correlation of health‑promoting behaviors was related to spiritualgrowth (r = 0.785), stress management (r = 0.777), interpersonal relationships (r = 0.767), healthresponsibility (r = 0.730), nutrition behaviors (r = 0.641), and physical activity (r = 0.611) were inthe next places (P < 0.001), respectively. Among sub‑scales, the highest correlation was observedbetween spiritual growth and stress management (r = 0.676, P < 0.001) and the lowest correlationbetween physical activity and interpersonal relationships (r = 0.253, P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: The score of physical activity was lower compared to other dimensions of healthpromoting behaviors. Therefore, it is necessary to make more effective interventional measures forimproving physical activity status.

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A study on physical activity by a need‑based curriculum for students in a rural area of West Bengal

. Nirmalya Biswas; . Nazrul Mallick; . Aparajita Dasgupta; . Rabindra Nath Sinha; . Indranil Saha; . Bobby Paul

Volume 10, Issue 10 , October 2020, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Students must be made aware about the essentiality of optimum level of physicalactivity and the fact that it is the key to good health and an important technique to prevent ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Students must be made aware about the essentiality of optimum level of physicalactivity and the fact that it is the key to good health and an important technique to prevent and controla lot of noncommunicable diseases including depression and other related mental ill‑health.MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was an institution‑based intervention study among 187 Madrasahstudents of classes VII and VIII, conducted in five‑phase assessment of the training needs ofMadrasah students on different aspects of healthy lifestyle, development of a need‑based moduleto be used by teachers to impart training of students through classroom setting, training of teachersto use the module to train students, training of students by the trained teachers in classroom setting,and evaluation of effectiveness of the training module.RESULTS: The mean pretest knowledge score in study Madrasah was 2.64 ± 1.35 (Mean ± SD)and post test score was 4.13 ± 0.88 (Mean ± SD). In paired t‑test, t‑value was 13.54 and P < 0.05with effect size of 1.370 (Cohen’s d). Practice related to the mean score in pretest was 2.38 ± 1.08and posttest score was 2.73 ± 1.03. In paired test, t‑value was 6.25 and P < 0.05 with effect size of0.458 (Cohen’s d).CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed the effectiveness of training by teachers using the moduledeveloped by the researcher to address significant changes in lifestyle‑related issues.

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Improvement of osteoporosis‑related behaviors in female students based on trans theoretical model

. Vahid Kohpeima Jahromi; . Sepide Bahlouli Ghashghaei; . Nader Sharifi

Volume 10, Issue 8 , August 2020, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is one of the major problems associated with aging and is morecommon among women than men. This study was designed to modify osteoporosis‑related behaviorsin ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is one of the major problems associated with aging and is morecommon among women than men. This study was designed to modify osteoporosis‑related behaviorsin female students based on the transtheoretical model (TTM).MATERIALS AND METHODS: This quasi‑experimental study was conducted on femalesecondary school students. The sample size was determined 100 by using Altman’s nomogram,including 50 cases and 50 controls. Participants were completed the Demographic Information andOsteoporosis‑Related Behavior Questionnaire based on TTM. Evaluation of the data showed thateach participant was at what stage of change in physical activity and preventive dietary behaviorof osteoporosis. The content of the training package was designed, and for the intervention group,2‑h training sessions were held weekly by the instructor in accordance with the stage of changefor 2 months, and the booklet was provided with the appropriate contents of the stage of change.Three months after the completion of training, the questionnaires were completed by interventionand control groups. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23 software.RESULTS: Concerning the stages of change in physical activity and nutrition, a significant differencewas before and after the intervention in the intervention group (P < 0.001), while no significantdifference was observed in the control group. After the intervention, there was a significant differencein the self‑efficacy and some subconstruct of processes of change, but there wasnot a significantdifference in the decisional balance.CONCLUSION: Educational intervention based on TTM has been successful in achieving the goal ofmodifying osteoporosis‑related behaviors in female students. The results of this study can be usedby health planners to plan and implement health promotion interventions that will undoubtedly helpreduce the burden of disease.

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The role of mental health, academic stress, academic achievement, and physical activity on self-rated health among adolescents in Iran: A multilevel analysis

. Zahra Hosseinkhani; . Hamid-Reza Hassanabadi; . Mahboubeh Parsaeian; . Saharnaz Nedjat; . Zohre Foroozanfar

Volume 10, Issue 7 , July 2020, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Health promotion of adolescents requires appropriate evidences of its determinants.The aim of this study was to investigate predictors of self-rated health (SRH) among adolescentsin ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Health promotion of adolescents requires appropriate evidences of its determinants.The aim of this study was to investigate predictors of self-rated health (SRH) among adolescentsin Qazvin, Iran.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, with a multistage samplingmethod, we recruited 1740 adolescents aged 12–19 years from 53 schools in Qazvin, Iran (2018). Weused the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and Adolescents’ Academic Stress Questionnairefor data collection. The analysis was conducted using a multilevel logistic regression model. Gender,educational period, and socioeconomic status were considered as confounders.RESULTS: Almost 21% of the adolescents reported their SRH suboptimal. Suboptimal SRH washigher in girls and older adolescents. Mental health disorders and academic stress had a positiveassociation with SRH. However, this association was negative for academic achievement andphysical activity. The interaction between mental health disorders and academic stress with SRHhad a significant association in a crud regression model.CONCLUSION: Mental health, academic stress, academic achievement, and physical activity wereimportant predictors for SRH. Interventions that focus on promoting mental health, academic stress,academic achievement, and physical activity such as physical activity for 1 h and each day for 3 daysper week can improve SRH in adolescents. Hence, policymakers should pay more attention to thisissue in health promotion programs of adolescents.

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Association of quality of life with physical activity, depression, and demographic characteristics and its predictors among medical students

. Nafiseh Ghassab‑Abdollahi; . Seyed Kazem Shakouri; . Alireza Taheri Aghdam; . Ali Farshbaf‑Khalili; . Somayeh Abdolalipour; . Azizeh Farshbaf‑Khalili

Volume 10, Issue 6 , June 2020, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Medical students face a variety of challenges during their years of medical educationthat can affect their quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to investigate the association ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Medical students face a variety of challenges during their years of medical educationthat can affect their quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to investigate the association of QOLwith physical activity (PA), depression, and demographic characteristics, as well as to determine itspredictors among medical students in different stages of education.METHODS: A cross‑sectional descriptive‑correlational study was conducted on 186 medical studentsof Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in different educational stages including basic sciences,physiopathology, externship, and internship using stratified random sampling method. Data werecollected using demographic questionnaire, International PA Questionnaire, World Health OrganizationQOL Questionnaire, and Beck depression inventory‑2. Data analysis was performed using SPSS/Ver 23through descriptive and analytic statistics including one‑way analysis of variance, independent t‑test,Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient, and multivariate linear regression model.RESULTS: There were significant differences in total score of QOL among students in differentstages (P < 0.05). There were indirect significant correlations between total score of QOL (β [confidenceinterval 95%]:−0.85 [−1.11–−0.59]) and its all subdomains with Beck depression score but directsignificant correlations with total PA (P < 0.05) except for social relationship. Educational stage,employment status, family income, inhabitant, moderate PA, and depression were the predictors ofQOL and altogether explained 63% of its variance.CONCLUSIONS: To pay attention to the predictors of QOL, life among medical students seemsnecessary for increasing their QOL to provide high‑quality care for people with disabilities as wellas for the whole community.

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Frequency of physical inactivity and insufficient sleep, and their mixed effects on academic achievement in ethnic minority students: A matched case–control study in a dental school

. Carlos Martín Ardila; . Ángela María Gómez‑Restrepo

Volume 10, Issue 6 , June 2020, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Ethnic minorities are underrepresented in health sciences programs in variousnations. Furthermore, there is no known research studying the occurrence of physical inactivity ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Ethnic minorities are underrepresented in health sciences programs in variousnations. Furthermore, there is no known research studying the occurrence of physical inactivity (PI)and insufficient sleep (IS), and their effects on academic achievement (AA) in ethnic minoritystudents (EMS) in higher education.OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to explore the occurrence of PI and IS, and theirindependent and mixed effects on AA in EMS of a dental school.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty EMS and sixty non‑EMSs were matched (1:2) in thiscase–control study. It was utilized as an administrative dataset that stores register related to thestudents. Moreover, the grade point average was considered an indicator of AA. Logistic regressionsmodels were run, expressed in odds ratios, complemented by confidence intervals (CIs) of 95%.RESULTS: A total of 73% and 60% EMS were PI and slept insufficiently, respectively. The groupspresented statistically significant differences (P < 0.0001) in physical activity, sleep, and AA, withinferior values for EMS. All unadjusted models showed that PS, IS, and low AA were stronglyassociated with EMS, demonstrating their independent effect. After controlling for PI and IS, themultivariate model for AA and EMS increased odds by 6.5 times (95%CI: 1.8–23;), indicatingthat EMS is strongly associated with low AA. Besides, PI and IS were also statistically significanthigher (<0.0001) in the model, demonstrating their mixed effect.CONCLUSIONS: This study found a higher occurrence of PI and IS in EMS. Besides, independentand mixed effects of these variables on low AA in EMS were very significant.

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Effect of web‑based and software‑based educational intervention on stages of behavior change of students’ physical activity

. Sahar Sabooteh; . Awat Feizi; . Parivash Shekarchizadeh; . Hossein Shahnazi; . Firoozeh Mostafavi

Volume 10, Issue 5 , May 2020, , Pages 1-8

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: The present study aims at designing and evaluating the effect of new educationalmedia‑based educational intervention on students’ stages of behavior change of ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: The present study aims at designing and evaluating the effect of new educationalmedia‑based educational intervention on students’ stages of behavior change of physical activity.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In the present interventional study, 225 students of medical sciencesuniversity were assigned into two experimental and one control groups using proportional stratifiedrandom sampling, where web‑based and software‑based educational interventions were used. Datawere collected using International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Marcus’s stages of change scales,and a self‑made questionnaire including constructs of barriers, benefits, and self‑efficacy. Evaluationwas conducted through pretest and posttest and immediate and 2 and 6 months of follow‑ups afterthe intervention. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics and Chi‑square,Friedman, one‑way ANOVA, and ANOVA with repeated measure.RESULTS: Based on the results, there was no significant difference between the experimental andcontrol groups before the intervention (P = 0.37); however, immediately and 2 and 6 months afterthe intervention, there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groupsin terms of stages of change (P < 0.001). Furthermore, in the experimental group, the educationalintervention led to improvement of individuals in the stages of change of physical activity. At 6‑monthfollow‑up, 75.4% of the software group and 60.6% of the web group achieved the maintenance stage.CONCLUSION: The results suggest that designing intervention based on people’s level of preparationfor changing behavior and using new educational methods such as web and software were effectiveon individuals’ progress in different stages of change of physical activity behavior and physicalactivity rate.

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Web‑based intervention on the promotion of physical activity among Iranian youth using the transtheoretical model

. Asiyeh Pirzadeh; . Fereshteh Zamani; . Mehri Khoshali; . Roya Kelishadi

Volume 10, Issue 5 , May 2020, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Sedentary habits may increase the noncommunicable disease risk factors, andfew teens get enough physical activity. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the effectsof ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Sedentary habits may increase the noncommunicable disease risk factors, andfew teens get enough physical activity. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the effectsof a web‑based intervention on the promotion of physical activity among adolescents using thetranstheoretical model (TTM).METHODS AND MATERIALS: A quasi‑experimental study was conducted on 278 high school studentswho were randomly allocated into one of the three groups: two web‑based intervention groups. Theintervention groups 1 and 2 received education through web (www.salamat.family), but the secondgroup received educational strategies based on TTM. Five questionnaires were applied two timesbefore the intervention and 6 months after the intervention. And, in the control group, the data werecollected using stage of exercise behavior change questionnaire and the International Physical ActivityQuestionnaire. Student’s t‑test and two‑way analysis of variance, and McNemar’s test were appliedto compare before and after the intervention. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS: The mean differences for TTM constructs related to exercise behaviors (processes ofchange, self‑efficacy, and decisional balance) in intervention groups 1 and 2 were very higher thanthe control group. Participants in intervention groups 1 and 2 who had low or moderate physicalactivity before the intervention were placed in high physical activity after it.CONCLUSION: According to the obtained results, education on PA based on website effective, butif we use education based on TTM, it will be more useful on the behavior.

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A healthy behavior and socioeconomic inequality in school‑age children in the West of Iran

. Ali Kazemi Karyani; . Behzad Karami Matin; . Zhila Kazemi; . Shahin Soltani; . Mohammad Ebrahimi; . Satar Rezaei

Volume 10, Issue 3 , March 2020, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Sufficient physical activity (SPA) in children and adolescents has an important rolein health, growth, and development of persons. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Sufficient physical activity (SPA) in children and adolescents has an important rolein health, growth, and development of persons. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence ofand inequality in physical activity (PA) in 12–15‑year‑old students in the West of Iran, 2018.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross‑sectional study, 1404 students from 14 schools ofKermanshah city were included. Data on demographic and socioeconomic status (SES) of studentsand their family, body mass index, moderate‑to‑vigorous PA of students were collected. Normalizedconcentration index (NC) and decomposition analysis applied to measure inequality in SPA and thecontribution of affecting factors, respectively.RESULTS: About 19% of the students had SPA. The proportion of SPA in boys was higher thangirls (38.98% vs. 9.84%). There was a significant deviation from equality line (NC = 0.31; 95%confidence interval [CI]: 0.23, 0.38) and NC for boys and girls were 0.15 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.25) and0.05  (95% CI: −0.07, 0.17). Sex of students and SES of households with 59.09% and 39.77%contribution to the measured inequality in SPA were the highest positive contributors. Householdsize (−2.60) had a negative contribution to inequality in SPA.CONCLUSION: There was a significant pro‑rich socioeconomic inequality in SPA and sex, and SESwere the main contributors to the inequality in PA. Some interventions are needed to improve PAamong children and adolescents with a focus on girls and low‑SES groups to narrow the existing gaps.

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The effect of educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior and stages of change construct on women’s physical activity

. Ali Taghipour; . Mohammad Vahedian Shahroudi; . Hamed Tabesh; . Ali Safari‑Moradabadi; . Mansoure Alipour Anbarani

Volume 9, Issue 10 , October 2019, , Pages 1-9

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Insufficient physical activity is a global health‑care problem and is considered anindependent risk factor for chronic diseases. The present research aimed to explore ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Insufficient physical activity is a global health‑care problem and is considered anindependent risk factor for chronic diseases. The present research aimed to explore the effect ofan educational intervention based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and stages of changeon promoting women’s physical activity.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This quasi‑experimental research was conducted on 68 womenwho voluntarily visited the health‑care centers of Mashhad. They were selected by randomizedmultistratified sampling method and were divided into two groups of intervention (n = 34) and control(n = 34). The data collection tools included a demographic information questionnaire, a questionnairebased on the TPB and stages of change, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Thedata were statistically analyzed by SPSS software version 16 using descriptive statistics (frequency,percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (paired t‑test, correlationcoefficient, and covariance). The significance level of P < 0.05 was considered in this study.RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the intervention and control groupsbefore the intervention in terms of the scores of the TPB constructs and physical activity (P > 0.05).However, after the educational intervention, a significant difference was observed in the mean scoresof TPB constructs and physical activity (P < 0.05). In addition, no statistically significant differencewas found in the stages of change between the two groups after the intervention.CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study pointed to the effectiveness of educational interventionand the necessity to use educational interventions to help adopt preventive behaviors. Therefore,the use of well‑established educational models rather than conventional methods is recommended.

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The effect of walking on pregnancy blood pressure disorders in women susceptible to pregnancy hypertension: A randomized clinical trial

. Somaye Khoram; . Marzieh Loripoor; . Masoume Pirhadi; . Marjan Beigi

Volume 9, Issue 5 , May 2019, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hypertension in pregnancy is one of the most importantunsolved problems in midwifery, and since it is the main cause of maternal death, preventiveintervention ...  Read More BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hypertension in pregnancy is one of the most importantunsolved problems in midwifery, and since it is the main cause of maternal death, preventiveintervention measures are essential to control this serious complication. This study aimed to determinethe effect of walking on gestational hypertension disorders in women prone to hypertension.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 72 pregnant womensusceptible to gestational hypertension who were randomly (through a random number table)assigned into two groups of 36. The pregnant women in the experimental group had walking programfor 20–30 min from weeks 14–34, four times a week. Data were analyzed, via independent t‑test,Fisher’s exact test, and Chi‑square test.RESULTS: The results indicated that in the experimental group, 2 cases with transient gestationalhypertension and 1 case of preeclampsia existed, and in the control group, 9 pregnant womenwere with gestational hypertension and 4 pregnant women were with preeclampsia. Therefore, theincidence of these two complications in the experimental group was significantly lower than the controlgroup (P < 0.05). Moreover, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the experimentalgroup were significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Based on the results, the moderate walking, as an easy physical activity, isrecommended for pregnant women susceptible to pregnancy hypertension.

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Abnormal sympathetic functioning is linked to familial hypertension in nonathletic young males

. Jayesh Dalpatbhai Solanki; . Ajay P. Kapadiya; . Hemant B. Mehta; . Chinmay J. Shah

Volume 9, Issue 4 , April 2019, , Pages 1-5

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Sympathetic overactivity mediates abnormal cardiovascular outcome that is affectedby stress, lack of physical activity (PA), and familial hypertension (HTN). It can be assessed ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Sympathetic overactivity mediates abnormal cardiovascular outcome that is affectedby stress, lack of physical activity (PA), and familial hypertension (HTN). It can be assessed by bloodpressure‑based sympathetic function tests.OBJECTIVE: We studied sympathetic function tests in young nonathletic males in relation to measuresof obesity, PA, and familial HTN.METHODOLOGY: We recruited 100 males (mean age: 19 years) and measured body massindex (BMI) and body composition parameters by tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance such as total bodyfat, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, and skeletal muscle mass. Using instrument cardiac autonomicneuropathy system of Recorders and Medicare System Company, India, blood pressures (supine,standing, and post hand grip) were recorded and studied quantitatively and qualitatively.RESULTS: Physically active and inactive individuals (n = 50 each) had comparable age, BMI,measures of obesity, and sympathetic function tests. However, individuals with familial HTN (n = 37)showed significantly higher obesity measures and blood pressures (supine: systolic bloodpressure [SBP] – 133 vs. 115 and diastolic blood pressure [DBP] – 79 vs. 76; standing: SBP – 136 vs.122 and DBP – 80 vs. 76; post hand grip: SBP – 136 vs. 125 and DBP – 86 vs. 81). Qualitatively,postural hypotension was seen in only two individuals, while worst grading was in post hand griptest significantly and more so in physically inactive group (30%, 28%, and 42% vs. 16%, 20%, and64%) and individuals with positive familial HTN (32%, 38%, and 30% vs. 17%, 13%, and 70%).CONCLUSION: Familial HTN, but not physical inactivity, affects sympathetic functioning in nonathleticyoung male medical personnel. It asks for other lifestyle modifications for better cardiovascular healthas primary prevention.

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Physical activity for healthy pregnancy among Iranian women: Perception of facilities versus perceived barriers

. Zahra Toghiyani; . Ashraf Kazemi; . Nafisehsadat Nekuei

Volume 9, Issue 1 , January 2019, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity during preconception period has beneficial effectson the health of women during conception and the identification of factors associated with it ...  Read More BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity during preconception period has beneficial effectson the health of women during conception and the identification of factors associated with it isan effective factor for improving the behavior. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate therelationship between the physical activity and health belief model (HBM) constructs (perceivedsusceptibility/severity, barriers, and self‑efficacy) as intrapersonal factors among women undergoingpreconception care.METHODS: In this cross‑sectional study, 110 women who were undergoing preconception care werecarried out. Moreover, health belief constructs and attitude toward physical activity were assessedthrough the use of researcher‑made questionnaire. In addition, the duration of physical activity withmoderate/vigorous intensity was evaluated utilizing a long form of the International Physical ActivityQuestionnaire.RESULTS: The results showed that although there was a relationship between the all health beliefconstructs and attitude toward physical activity and the duration of leisure physical activities carriedout during (P < 0.05), but using the linear regression test showed that only perceived barriers,independent from other variables, had a significant inverse correlation with this type of activities(β = −0.27, P = 0.02).CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed that among the constructs of theHBM, perceivedbarriers are the most important predictor of physical activity in women during the preconceptionperiod and emphasize the need to design possible means to promote physical activity to removebarriers to effective physical activity.

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A randomized trial to promote physical activity during pregnancy based on health belief model

. Mahnaz Shafieian; . Ashraf Kazemi

Volume 7, Issue 2 , May and June 2017, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The positive effects of physical activities during pregnancy are totally recognizedbut due to lack of knowledge and negative aspect toward it, physical activities decrease ...  Read More BACKGROUND: The positive effects of physical activities during pregnancy are totally recognizedbut due to lack of knowledge and negative aspect toward it, physical activities decrease throughoutthe pregnancy period. To find the appropriate model to enhance physical activity during pregnancy,the education that are focused on health belief constructs about physical activity during pregnancy,were assessed.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a semi‑experimental study conducted on 90 pregnantwomen in their first trimester that were divided into two groups of control and intervention.After assessing health belief model (HBM) constructs and measuring the duration of severe/moderate‑intensity) physical activity through a questionnaire, participants were divided intotwo groups of 45. The intervention group received education about physical activity based onHBM and the control group received dental health education. In the second trimester again, theconstructs of HBM and the duration of physical activities were evaluated. Significant level wasset at P < 0.05.RESULTS: Data analysis showed that level of perceived susceptibility/severity and perceivedbenefits and also the level of appealing physical activity (P < 0.05), had a significant increase inthe intervention group after the education, but the mean of the severe/moderate‑intensity physicalactivity with did not rise to 150 min/week.CONCLUSION: Study results showed that education based on HBM could lead to an increase inphysical activity during pregnancy by increasing the level of health beliefs in pregnant women, butthis increase does not reach the adequate level.

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Determinants of physical activity in middle‑aged woman in Isfahan using the health belief model

. Habibollah Hosseini; . Razieh Moradi; . Ashraf Kazemi; . Maryam Sadat Shahshahan

Volume 7, Issue 2 , May and June 2017, , Pages 1-7

Abstract

  INTRODUCTION: Nowadays with respect to the automation of the lifestyle, immobility statisticsin middle‑aged women has increased and they are at risk for complications of immobility. ...  Read More INTRODUCTION: Nowadays with respect to the automation of the lifestyle, immobility statisticsin middle‑aged women has increased and they are at risk for complications of immobility. One ofthe models used to identify factors associated with physical activity is Health Belief Model utilizedin different age and different cultural backgrounds and different results have been obtained fromthose studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting on physical activityin middle‑aged women using Health Belief Model.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive‑correlation study was conducted on 224 middle‑agedwomen referring to health centers in Isfahan. Health Belief Model structures including perceivedsusceptibility and severity, perceived barriers and benefits, and self‑efficacy were measuredby questionnaire and physical activity was assessed using the international physical activityquestionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlationcoefficient test and regression analysis.RESULTS: There wasn’t significant correlation between perceived susceptibility (P = 0.263, r = 0.075)and perceived severity with physical activity duration (P = 0.127, r = 0.058) but there was positiveand weak correlation between physical activity duration with perceived benefits (P = 0.001 andr = 0.26) and perceived self‑efficacy (P = 0.001, r = 0.54) and had weak and inverse correlation withperceived barriers (P = 0.001, r = ‑0.25). Regression analysis also showed that from among all theHealth Belief Model structures just self‑efficacy structure has influenced on behavior independentlyand other structures are affected by it.CONCLUSION: The obtained results implied on a correlation between benefits, barriers and perceivedself‑efficacy with and moderate physical activity. Therefore it is necessary to develop appropriateeducational programs with emphasis on structures of Health Belief Model that has the maximumimpact on physical activity in middle‑aged women.

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Effect of physical activity on musculoskeletal discomforts among handicraft workers

. Mahnaz Shakerian; . Masoud Rismanchian; . Pejman Khalili; . Akram Torki

Volume 6, Issue 1 , 2016, , Pages 1-6

Abstract

  Introduction: Handicrafts seems to be one of the high‑risk jobs regarding work‑relatedmusculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) which necessitate the implementation of differentcorrective ...  Read More Introduction: Handicrafts seems to be one of the high‑risk jobs regarding work‑relatedmusculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) which necessitate the implementation of differentcorrective intervention like regular physical activities. This study aimed to investigate theimpact of physical activity on WMSDs among craftsmen. Methods: This cross‑sectional studywas an analytical – descriptive study carried out on 100 craftsmen working in Isfahan, Iran,in 2013. The sampling method was census, and all workshops involved with this job wereincluded. Information on demographic parameters and physical activity was collected bydemographic forms. The data related to worker’s musculoskeletal discomforts were conductedusing Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. The data were analyzed usingstatistical tests including independent t‑test, Chi‑square, and ANOVA. The statistical analysiswas performed using SPSS 18. Results: The highest percentages of complaints related tosevere musculoskeletal discomfort were reported in right shoulder (%36), right wrist (%26),neck (%25), and upper right arm (%24), respectively. A significant relationship was observedbetween physical activity and musculoskeletal discomforts of left wrist (P = 0.012), lowerback (P = 0.016), and neck (P = 0.006). Discussion and Conclusion: Based on the studyresults, it can be inferred that regular but not too heavy physical activity can have a positiveimpact on decreasing the musculoskeletal discomforts.

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The study of physical activity and some relative factors in referred pregnant women to Isfahan Health‑Care Centers and Shahid Beheshti Hospital

. Parvin Bahadoran; . Soheila Mohamadirizi

Volume 5, Issue 5 , December 2015, , Pages 1-4

Abstract

  Background: Physical activity generally declines during pregnancy, but activity barriers duringthis period are not well understood. The objective was to determine physical activity ...  Read More Background: Physical activity generally declines during pregnancy, but activity barriers duringthis period are not well understood. The objective was to determine physical activity and somerelative factors in referred pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This cross‑sectionalstudy was carried on 384 in referred pregnant women to Isfahan Health Care Centers andShahid Beheshti Hospital in second stage sampling method in 2013. Demographic/prenatalcharacteristics, physical activity (36Q) and prenatal life quality questionnaire (26Q) werecompleted by participants. The statistical analysis was performed with various statistical testssuch as the t‑test, one‑way ANOVA, individual correlation coefficient, and linear regressionusing SPSS statistical software (version 16). Results: Based on the findings, 98.7% (n = 378)of pregnant women had low physical activity. Also, there were a correlation among physicalactivity and parity, age, gestational age (P ≤ 0.005). Conclusion: Since physical activity isrecommended for the most of pregnant women, it is imperative to promote physical activitybetween pregnant women and some intervention suggestions.

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