Validating the knowlegde intensive working environment survey target 2.0 latent variable measurement interpretation

This thesis primarily concerns validation of the Knowledge Intensive Working Environment Survey Target (KIWEST) 2.0 measurement theory as a valid account of the observations generated by administering KIWEST 2.0 on a sample from its target population (N = 12170). A working model of validation is developed by combining validity- and latent variable theory. A distinction is drawn between latent variable measurement interpretations (weak claims) and identity interpretations (strong claims). KIWEST consists of 119 items, and its measurement theory specifies between 27 to 33 latent variables to account for observed (co)variation, depending on whether its multifaceted constructs are represented by single or multiple factors. Following data integrity treatment, 7643 cases and 118 items were retained. The method employed was maximum likelihood confirmatory factor analysis, employing the alternative-models strategy of Jöreskog (1993), comparing the fit of- and selecting among 16 nested models accounting for item (co)variation. The least parsimonious model was retained and subjected to evaluation of parameter estimates as evidence of validity. The results indicate that the model comprehensively account of the observations, but suffers from lack of parsimony. The discussion develops a number of suggestions for altering the interpretation to fit the observations (i.e., changes to the KIWEST theory; proximal remedies), and for altering the questionnaire to produce observations that fit the interpretation (i.e., changes to the KIWEST questionnaire; distal fixes). The conclusion of the thesis is that changes ought to be made to either the questionnaire or interpretation before proceeding with validation of the KIWEST latent variable identity interpretations

Mating Market Marginalization: Emotional effects for men and women who lack access to sexual and romantic relationships

Bakgrunn: Hva er de psykologiske konsekvensene av å ikke ha en seksuell eller romantisk partner? Med utganspunkt i evolusjonære teorier utledet jeg 17 hypoteser om hvordan selvaktelse, humør og sinne samvarierte med menn og kvinners tilgang på seksuelle forhold eller kjærlighetsforhold. Metode: Jeg utførte en longitudinell spørreundersøkelsesstudie (NT1=905, 45.2% kvinner, NT2=566, 49% kvinner) hovedsakelig blant studenter i Midt-Norge, hvor deltagere selvrapporterte forholds- og seksuell status, nivåer av selvaktelse og humør, og tilbøyelighet til sinne. Resultater: Av 17 hypoteser fant 11 støtte. Generelt hadde sølibati en effekt på selvaktelse og positivt humør blant både menn og kvinner, mens effekter på sinne var neglisjerbare. Å være singel predikerte misfornøydhet blant begge kjønn. Misfornøyde single rapporterte mer negativt humør, men ikke lavere selvaktelse, uavhengig av kjønn. Sammenlignet med kvinner som hadde en langtidspartner, rapporterte ufrivillig single kvinner lavere selvaktelse, men ikke mer negativt humør. Sammenlignet med de som var misfornøyd med forholdsstatus på T1 og som ikke endret status, rapporterte de som endret status mer positivt humør men ikke mer selvaktelse. Konklusjon: Både menn og kvinner opplever negative emosjonelle effekter av å mangle seksuelle eller romantiske partnere. Ved å dokumentere disse mønstrene av sammenhenger, tilfører denne studien en dypere forståelse av psykologiske effekter av å være ekskludert fra partnermarkedet.Background: What are the psychological and emotional consequences of not being mated? Based on evolutionarily informed theories and considerations, I derived 17 distinct hypotheses on how anger, self-esteem, and mood tracked access to sexual and romantic relationships among men and women. Method: I carried out a longitudinal survey (NT1=905, 45.2% women, NT2=566, 49% women) where participants self-reported sexual and romantic status, levels of self-esteem, mood and proneness to anger. Results: Eleven of the 17 hypotheses were supported. Generally, celibacy downregulated self-esteem and positive mood in both men and women, whereas effects on anger were negligible. Singlehood was generally associated with dissatisfaction for both sexes. Dissatisfied singles reported more negative mood but not lower self-esteem than those dissatisfied with their current relationship, regardless of sex. Compared to women with a long-term partner, involuntary single women reported lower self-esteem but not more negative mood. Compared to those dissatisfied with their relationship status at T1 and who did not change relationship status, those dissatisfied with their relationship status who changed relationship status increased positive mood but not self-esteem. Conclusion: Both men and women experience negative emotional effects of being without access to sexual and romantic partners. By documenting these patterns of associations, this study adds to a deeper understanding of the psychological effects of mating market marginalization

Exercise in pregnant women and birth weight: a randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Birth weight plays an important role in infant mortality and morbidity, childhood development, and adult health. To date there are contradictory results regarding the role of physical activity on birth weight. In addition, it is questioned whether exercise during second and third trimesters of pregnancy might affect gestational age and increase the risk of preterm delivery. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a supervised exercise-program on birth weight, gestational age at delivery and Apgar-score.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sedentary, nulliparous pregnant women (N = 105), mean age 30.7 ± 4.0 years, pre-pregnancy BMI 23.8 ± 4.3 were randomized to either an exercise group (EG, n = 52) or a control group (CG, n = 53). The exercise program consisted of supervised aerobic dance and strength training for 60 minutes, twice per week for a minimum of 12 weeks, with an additional 30 minutes of self-imposed physical activity on the non-supervised week-days.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There was no statistically significant difference between groups in mean birth weight, low birth weight (< 2500 g) or macrosomia (≥ 4000 g). Per protocol analyses showed higher Apgar score (1 min) in the EG compared with the CG (p = 0.02). No difference was seen in length of gestation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Aerobic-dance exercise was not associated with reduction in birth weight, preterm birth rate or neonatal well-being.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov: <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00617149">NCT00617149</a></p

Navigating pregnancy: Information sources and lifestyle behavior choices — A Narrative Review

Background: Accessible health information during pregnancy is important to positively affect maternal and fetal health. However, the quality and accuracy of health information can greatly vary across numerous sources. This narrative review is aimed at summarizing the literature on pregnant individuals’ information sources and how these sources influence their habits toward GWG, PA, and nutrition. Such data will highlight preferences and needs, reveal challenges, and identify opportunities for improvement. Methods: We searched PubMed for studies published in the last decade. Out of 299 studies initially identified, 20 (16 quantitative and four qualitative) met the eligibility criteria (investigating information sources and their influence on health habits toward GWG, PA, nutrition, pregnant participants, adequate data reporting, and being available in full text). Results: Primary sources of health information varied. The Internet (26%–97%) and healthcare providers (HCPs) (14%–74%) predominated, followed by family/friends (12%71%), books/magazines (49%–65%), and guidelines/brochures (25%–53%). Despite the widespread use of the Internet, HCPs were considered the most reliable source. The use of the Internet to retrieve health information was reported to be 2–4 h a week, and < 50% discussed the online information with their HCP. The Internet was also used as a supplementary resource on topics raised by HCPs. Regarding the influence on health habits, the Internet, HCPs, media, and family positively influenced GWG and promoted adherence to recommended guidelines (OR = 0.55–15.5). Only one study showed a positive association between Internet use and PA level. The Internet, media, HCPs, and information brochures were associated with better adherence to nutritional recommendations. Conclusions: Pregnant individuals relied on the Internet and HCP, with a preference for the Internet despite trust in midwives. Several sources of health information were positively associated with adherence to GWG and nutrition recommendations. Improving the quality of online information should be a priority for policymakers and health authorities.publishedVersio

Attitudes and awareness towards weight gain among normal weight and overweight pregnant women

I Brage finner du siste tekst-versjon av artikkelen, og den kan inneholde ubetydelige forskjeller fra forlagets pdf-versjon. Forlagets pdf-versjon finner du på www.tandfonline.com: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/14767058.2014.961005 / In Brage you'll find the final text version of the article, and it may contain insignificant differences from the journal's pdf version. The definitive version is available at www.tandfonline.com: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/14767058.2014.961005Objectives: (1) To evaluate the proportion who correctly classify- or misclassify maternal weight gain; (2) to investigate weight gain attitudes, and (3) to compare weight gain attitudes with weight gain recommendations by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), as well as background and lifestyle factors. Methods: This is secondary analysis of cohort data collected as part of a prospective study of determinants of macrosomic infants in Norway (the STORKproject). The participants (n = 467) answered a self-administered questionnaire, including report on maternal weight gain and attitudes towards weight gain, in mean gestation week 36.4 (SD = 1.7). The women were also weighted (kg) at the hospital using a digital beam scale. Results: A significant discrepancy was found between self-reported and measured maternal weight gain. About 76% reported to be satisfied with maternal weight gain while 24% were dissatisfied. Women reporting to be dissatisfied were significantly more likely to be sedentary, sick-listed, reporting poor eating habits and to be multiparous. Conclusions: Most women reported to be satisfied with their maternal weight gain, but had gained excessively according to recommended weight gain ranges issued by IOM. Pregnant women may need targeted advice on their specific weight gain and impact of increased weight gain on health variables for mother and child.Seksjon for idrettsmedisinske fag / Department of Sports Medicin

Weight management during teenage pregnancy: Issues to consider when developing appropriate support

Teenage pregnancy is more prevalent in areas of high obesity, compared to areas where obesity levels are low. Risks associated with maternal obesity in pregnant teenagers include pre-eclampsia and caesarean delivery. To reduce these risks, pregnant teenagers need to be supported to gain a healthy weight in pregnancy. This includes encouraging these women to eat healthily through providing appropriate information including online or smartphone apps in conjunction with face-to-face support. These young women also need encouragement to be physically active. This support must be tailored to the teenage population considering their specific barriers and facilitators to behaviour change. Midwives with the aid of a multidisciplinary team play a key role in encouraging these healthy behaviours

Investigating self-perceived health and quality of life: A longitudinal prospective study among beginner recreational exercisers in a fitness club setting

Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.Objectives: This study investigated self-perception of overall health (SPH) and quality of life (QoL) at onset and after 3, 6 and 12 months of fitness club membership. Also, we compared SPH and QoL between those who reported regular use of the fitness club (≥2 exercise sessions/week the last month) with those who did not (one exercise session/week or no exercise the last month). Design: Longitudinal prospective study. Setting: 25 fitness clubs in Oslo, Norway. Participants: In total, 250 newly registered fitness club members (equal numbers of men and women, mean age=36.4±11.3 years, mean body mass index=25.7±4.4) were recruited. At onset (n=250), after 3 (n=224), 6 (n=213) and 12 months (n=187), the participants answered an electronic questionnaire, covering background variables, exercise involvement, perceived SPH and QoL. Outcome measures: SPH was measured by a single-item question, rating health status from poor to excellent on a 5-point scale. High SPH was dichotomised as excellent or good, and low SPH as moderate, fair or poor. QoL was measured on a 7-item scale, rating five statements and dichotomised according to a total max sum score of 35, with low QoL ≤25 and high QoL >25. Results: Repeated measurements did not show any changes in SPH. In QoL, we observed an improvement in QoL sum score and a significant increase in mean scores for two out of five statements at 12 months follow-up: ‘In most ways, my life is close to my ideal’ (p=0.036) and ‘If I could live my life over, I would change almost nothing’ (p<0.001). Regular use of the fitness club was associated with high SPH (OR 3.532 (95% CI 1.60–7.82), p=0.002) and high QoL (OR 1.914 (95% CI 0.95–3.86), p=0.069). The results were unchanged after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion: Regular attendance at a fitness club was associated with high SPH and high QoL at 12 months follow-up.publishedVersionInstitutt for idrettsmedisinske fag / Department of Sports Medicin

The Coronavirus pandemic and closed fitness clubs negatively affected members exercise habits

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.Introduction: Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, politicians enacted directions to reduce social interactions, including lockdown of fitness clubs. We aimed to investigate how this changed exercise habits of Norwegian gym members. Method: Based on survey data, men and women (≥18 years, n = 233, data collection from Aug. 2020 to Jan. 2021) were recruited to this study by an email-invitation from their fitness club chain or by Facebook advertisement. The participants reported on background variables (e.g., age, gender, total household income, occupation, and education), and exercise habits pre- and during social lockdown. Data were analyzed using independent or student t-test, chi-squared test, or McNemar's test, as appropriate. Results: Home-based exercise (18.0 vs. 72.5%, p = 60 min. per session: 33.0 vs. 3.8%, p = <0.001) than low exercise attendees during lockdown. Discussion: Home-based exercise, walking, and cycling were most frequently reported during lockdown. Participants reported a small decrease in exercise duration and frequency compared with pre-lockdown. Closure of fitness clubs impacted low attendees more than high attendees.publishedVersionInstitutt for idrettsmedisinske fag / Department of Sports Medicin

Weight cycling and dieting behavior in fitness club members

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.Background: Along with the rising prevalence of high body-mass index (BMI), there is also increased emphasis on leanness and fitness. Both these trends suggest that many individuals are concerned about weight management and may try to lose weight. Using data from the research project “Fitness clubs - a venue for public health?”, we aimed to describe weight cycling and energy-restricted dieting in men and women at start-up of fitness club membership, and to investigate influencing factors [age, BMI, educational level, self-classified overweight/obesity, compliance with nutritional guidelines, unhealthy weight control strategies and self-perceived health (SPH)]. Methods: In a cross-sectional online survey, 250 men and women from 25 fitness clubs in Oslo, reported anthropometrics, self-classified weight group, weight cycling, weight loss/gain, eating habits/dieting, and background/health information. Enrollment was limited to adult (≥18 years) novice exercisers (exercising <60 min/week at a moderate or vigorous intensity or brisk walking <150 min/week, the past six months) with less than four weeks of membership. Factors associated with weight cycling were examined using simple and multiple logistic regression, separated for men and women. Results: In both sexes (mean age: 36.4 ± 11.3, range 18-71 years), a high number reported substantial weight fluctuation (+/-5 kg) the past 12 months (men: 50% and women: 62%, mean difference 12%, 95% CI -0.3 to 23.8, p=0.056) and unhealthy weight control strategies (men: 24.8% and women: 47.2%, mean difference 22.4%, 95% CI 10.5 to 33.4, p<0.001). Weight cyclers had a higher mean BMI compared with non-cyclers (mean difference -1.5, 95% CI -2.6 to - 0.4, p= 0.003). Further, the difference in body weight was 6.7 kg (95% CI 2.2 to 10.8, p=0.004) and 10.8 kg (95% CI 5.8 to 15.8, <0.001) in men and women, respectively. Besides BMI status, self-classified overweight/obesity was the strongest predictor of reporting weight cycling (men: OR 5.54, 95% CI 2.03 to 15.12, p<0.01 and women: OR 7.17, 95% CI 2.48 to 20.68, p<0.001). Conclusion: In novice exercisers, a large proportion reported weight cycling and unhealthy weight control strategies, and both were more prevalent in women than in men. Self-classified overweight was found to be the most important factor influencing weight cycling.publishedVersionInstitutt for idrettsmedisinske fag / Department of Sports Medicin

Long-term effects of participation in a prenatal exercise intervention on body weight, body mass index, and physical activity level: A 6-year follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial

I Brage finner du siste tekst-versjon av artikkelen, og den kan inneholde ubetydelige forskjeller fra forlagets pdf-versjon. Forlagets pdf-versjon finner du på tandfonline.com / In Brage you'll find the final text version of the article, and it may contain insignificant differences from the journal's pdf version. The definitive version is available at tandfonline.com.Background: Growing evidence supports that physical activity and exercise during pregnancy is favorable for the mother, with persisting benefits in the postpartum period. However, there is scant knowledge of the effect of a prenatal exercise program on long-term health and lifestyle habits. Objectives: This 6-year follow-up study of a randomized controlled trial had two aims: (1) compare body weight, weight retention and body mass index (BMI) in the intervention group and control group, and (2) evaluate effects on physical activity level and recreational exercise. Materials and methods: Out of 105 participants initially randomized to either an intervention group, n = 52 (twice weekly group-exercises and physical activity counselling) or control group, n = 53 (standard prenatal care), 80 women (76.2%) participated in the present long-term follow-up study, performed in a general community in Oslo, Norway. Data were collected through a standardized telephone interview based on the baseline protocol and a modified Physical Activity and Pregnancy Questionnaire (PAPQ). Body weight at 6 years follow-up was self-reported (kg), and calculation of current BMI (kg/m2) was based on self-reported weight and measured height at study inclusion. Investigators were unaware of the original randomization at the time of the interviews. Analyses of covariance were used to examine the difference in change in body weight and BMI between the groups. Even though the MET-values were not normally distributed, differences were examined using a two-sided independent sample t-test due to large sample size (n ≥ 30). Results: At 6 years follow-up there were no differences in mean BMI (kg/m2) (24.0 ± 3.8 versus 24.8 ± 4.0, p = .37), physical activity level (4167 ± 2638 versus 3925 ± 3075 MET-min/week, p = .67) or recreational exercise (630 ± 1290 versus 720 ± 1005 MET-min/week, p = .88) between the intervention and control group, respectively. Subgroup analysis of participants with high adherence during the intervention 6 years ago (≥24 prenatal exercise classes), showed a positive intervention effect at long-term follow up in body weight (kg) (62.8 ± 7.9 versus 70.8 ± 11.8, p = .03) and BMI (kg/m2) (22.5 ± 3.1 versus 24.8 ± 4.0, p = .05), and none (versus 11 in the control group) had gained ≥5 kg compared to prepregnancy weight (p = .02). Conclusions: Women who adhered to the original prenatal exercise intervention demonstrated significantly lower body weight and BMI at 6-year follow-up. Otherwise, no long-term intervention effect was observed.acceptedVersionSeksjon for idrettsmedisinske fag / Deparment of Sports Medicin