An examination of health inequities among college students by sexual orientation identity and sex

Background. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) college students may have an increased number of health inequities compared to their heterosexual counterparts. However, to date, no research has provided a comprehensive examination of health-related factors by sexual orientation identity and sex among a national sample of college students. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine physical, sexual, interpersonal relations/safety, and mental health inequities by sexual orientation identity and sex among a national sample of college students. Design and methods. Participants (n=39,767) completed the National College Health Assessment II during the fall 2008/spring 2009 academic year. Hierarchical binary logistic regression analyses were used to examine health inequities by sexual orientation identity and sex. Results. LGB students compared to heterosexual students, experienced multiple health inequities including higher rates of being verbally threatened and lower rates of physical activity and condom use. Conclusions. An understanding of health inequities experienced by LGB college students is critical as during these years of transition, students engage in protective (e.g., physical activity) and risky (e.g., lack of condom use) health behaviours, establishing habits that could last a lifetime. Future research should be used to design and implement targeted public health strategies and policies to reduce health inequities and improve health-related quality of life among LGB college students

Physical Activity: An Update for Health Educators

Abstract Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and is associated with increased risk for several other diseases. It is important that health educators recognize physical inactivity as a major health problem and understand the current physical activity public health recommendation. As health educators, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves, as well as our students, clients, and patients about physical activity and its benefits

Characterization of body weight and composition changes during the sophomore year of college

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Years spent in college represents a critical time for obesity development though little information is known regarding how body weight and composition changes beyond the first year of college. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in body weight and composition and the factors influencing those changes among sophomore females.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was obtained in participants beginning during their freshman year and continued through their sophomore year.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>No difference was observed between sophomore year fall and spring visits for body weight (60.4 versus 60.6 kg) or fat mass (19.3 versus 18.7 kg). However, a significant (<it>P </it>≤ 0.05) decrease was observed for body fat (31.9 versus 30.9 %fat) and a significant increase was observed for fat-free mass (37.7 versus 38.4 kg). Participants living off campus significantly (<it>P </it>≤ 0.05) declined in body fat (33.0 versus 31.0 %fat) and fat mass (19.4 versus 18.2 kg) and increased in fat-free mass (36.1 versus 37.2 kg) with no differences in those living on campus.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>No change in body weight was observed in females during their sophomore year. However, an increase in fat-free mass accompanied with a decrease in fat mass resulted in a decrease in body fat. Participants living off campus had favorable changes in their body composition by means of decreasing %fat and fat mass while increasing fat-free mass. Participants living on campus did not demonstrate these favorable changes.</p

My Baby, My Move+: Feasibility of a Community Prenatal Wellbeing Intervention

Background Excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG), insufficient prenatal physical activity and sleep, and poor psychological wellbeing independently increase risks for adverse maternal and infant outcomes. A novel approach to mitigate these risks is utilizing peer support in a community-based prenatal intervention. This study assessed the feasibility (acceptability, demand, implementation, and practicality) of a remotely delivered prenatal physical activity intervention called My Baby, My Move + (MBMM +) that aims to increase prenatal physical activity, enhance mood and sleep hygiene, and reduce EGWG. Methods Participants were recruited through community organizations, local clinics, and social media platforms in the Fall of 2020 and Spring of 2021. Eligible pregnant women were randomized to either the MBMM + intervention or the control group. Each group met over Zoom for 16 sessions (twice weekly for 60 min over 8 weeks) to learn either behavioral change and wellbeing knowledge and skills (MBMM +) or knowledge and skills related to parenting (control group). Multiple methods of evaluation to better understand the feasibility of the intervention were conducted. Results A total of 49 women (25 MBMM + intervention, 24 control) completed both pre- and post-survey assessments and were included in the analyses. A subsample of 19 (39%) intervention participants completed a combination of semi-structured interviews/surveys to assess acceptability, demand, implementation, and practicality. Participants expressed positive feedback regarding acceptability (satisfaction and intent to continue use) and were extremely likely or likely to recommend the program to a friend (demand). Implementation metrics were assessed by observation and feedback forms completed by peer leaders and demonstrated high-quality control. Findings suggest that the intervention was practical due to remote sessions and cost-effectiveness. Conclusion The MBMM + intervention was deemed to be a feasible intervention with high acceptability, demand, implementation, and practicality. These findings can be used to inform the scalability of the intervention and implementation of a larger efficacy trial

Attitudes of Oklahoma residents towards policies supporting active transport

PURPOSE: To assess attitudes of Oklahoma residents towards governmental policies supporting active transport and to identify factors associated with positive attitudes towards these policies. METHODS: A random sample of 564 adult residents (64% female; 75% White; 57% with BMI >= 25) was called. Respondents were asked their views about seven transportation-related policies that would be friendly to pedestrians and cyclists. Responses were on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from strongly oppose (=1) to strongly favor (=5). A summary score was created by computing the mean of the items. A multiple linear regression was conducted to explain attitude towards these policies. Predictor variables were demographic characteristics, attitudes towards walking and bicycling, currently walking/bicycling for transportation at least once per month (yes/no), and minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity as assessed with the BRFSS.RESULTS: The mean score on the attitude survey was 3.51 (SD=.80). Most respondents (>70%) favored policies creating more sidewalks and stop signs; making it safer for children to walk to school; making it safer for people to walk and cross streets; and enforcing traffic laws. Half (48%) favored more of the State budget being used for public transportation; and 34% favored designing communities such that locations are within walking distance. Being female (p=.048), being non-White (p=.01), walking/bicycling for transportation (p=.008), earning less than $30,000 for household income (p=.016), and having a positive attitude towards walking (p=.002) predicted a favorable attitude towards government policies supporting active transport. Performing at least 150 min/week of moderate to vigorous physical activity was not predictive.CONCLUSION: Overall scores on the attitude survey indicated respondents did not have strong opinions about policies supporting active transport. They tended to favor policies that address traffic laws and safe walking, but most were not supportive of more monies going towards public transportation or the design of walkable communities. Individual characteristics and experiences with active transport explained attitude towards government policies. These results can inform policy makers about the public support they can expect for policies supporting active transport

Objectively Assessed Physical Activity Among Tongans in the United States

No Abstract Available

College students' understanding of moderate physical activity: A qualitative study

The purpose of this study was to examine college students' understanding of physical activity and the moderate physical activity recommendation. Thirty students attended focus groups and responded to questions about physical activity. Data were analyzed using NUD*IST software and a two-step data coding process. Results indicated that students understood the definition of physical activity but were confused about the frequency, duration, and accumulation components of the moderate physical activity recommendation. Messages that clarify the specific components of the current public health moderate physical activity recommendation may he needed in the college student populatio

Effects of two brief interventions on women's understanding of moderate intensity physical activity

For 10 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) have called on U.S. adults to incorporate moderate intensity physical activity (MPA) into their daily routine. Given that one fourth of U.S. women participate in no physical activities, it is important to assess whether messages promoting MPA, such as those in the mass media, help women adequately understand the intensity of activity required to meet the recommendation or whether additional methods may be needed

Developing Effective Physical Activity Programs

Developing Effective Physical Activity Programs emphasizes the move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to physical activity interventions by providing evidence-based recommendations for designing, implementing, and evaluating more effective and appropriate physical activity interventions for diverse populations.https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/fac_books/1035/thumbnail.jp