Psychosocial Determinants of Childhood and Adolescent Obesity

The purpose of this article was to identify psychosocial determinants of childhood and adolescent obesity. Some of the determinants were considered non-modifiable such as genetics, sex, age, and race. The risk of developing obesity started early on in life, with high birth weight, rapid growth in infancy, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and lack of breastfeeding indicated as positive predictors. Family food environment and dietary behaviors were considered modifiable determinants and included: consumption of unhealthy foods, portion sizes, snacking, and number of family meals. Physical activity was also considered a protective factor against the development of obesity, with overweight children significantly less active than those who were non-overweight. Recommendations for successful interventions and future research were discussed

A Systematic Review of Physical Activity Interventions in Hispanic Adults

Healthy People 2020 aims to achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve the health of all groups. Regular physical activity (PA) improves overall health and fitness and has the capability to reduce risk for chronic diseases. Identifying barriers which relate to the Hispanic population is important when designing PA interventions. Therefore, the purpose was to review existing PA interventions targeting Hispanic adults published between 1988 and 2011. This paper was limited to interventions which included more than 35% Hispanic adults (n = 20). Most of the interventions were community based (n = 16), although clinical, family-based, and faith-based settings were also represented. Interventions incorporated theory (n = 16), with social cognitive theory and transtheoretical model being used most frequently. Social support was integral, building on the assumption that it is a strong motivator of PA. Each of the interventions reported success related to PA, social support, and/or BMI. Lessons learned should be incorporated into future interventions

Walking for Transportation on Campus: Perspectives from Faculty and Students

Background: Walking is a recommended strategy for meeting physical activity (PA) requirements and benefiting from associated health outcomes. Walking for transportation, which is walking to get from ”Point A” to ”Point B,” may help individuals in fulfilling their weekly recommended PA, though little research has been done as it relates to walking for transportation on a college campus.Aim: To qualitatively explore attitudes and barriers toward walking for transportation and cues to action among a convenience sample of faculty, staff, and students.Methods: Through a non-experimental design, qualitative data were collected through conducting focus groups (n = 10) at a public, southeastern university with college students, staff, faculty (n = 13 students; n = 25 staff; n = 19 faculty).Results: The main themes emerging included: definitions of walking for transportation, factors that encouraged walking for transportation, barriers to walking on campus, and campaign/incentive suggestions.Conclusion: Findings support previous research which indicates situational factors prohibit individuals from walking for transportation. Further, findings indicate it would be of value for future research to determine best practices for promoting and incentivizing walking across various sub-groups not explored in this study. Lastly, point-of-decision prompt use (i.e., campus signage to promote walking) should be explored as a strategy to promote walking and active transport to determine what various groups respond most positively to

Global School-Based Childhood Obesity Interventions: A Review

Background: The issue of childhood overweight and obesity has become a global public health crisis. School-based interventions have been developed and implemented to combat this growing concern. The purpose of this review is to compare and contrast U.S. and international school-based obesity prevention interventions and highlight efficacious strategies. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted utilizing five relevant databases. Inclusion criteria were: (1) primary research; (2) overweight or obesity prevention interventions; (3) school-based; (4) studies published between 1 January 2002 through 31 December 2013; (5) published in the English language; (6) child-based interventions, which could include parents; and (7) studies that reported outcome data. Results: A total of 20 interventions met the inclusion criteria. Ten interventions each were implemented in the U.S. and internationally. International interventions only targeted elementary-aged students, were less likely to target low-income populations, and were less likely to be implemented for two or more years in duration. However, they were more likely to integrate an environmental component when compared to U.S. interventions. Discussion: Interventions implemented in the U.S. and internationally resulted in successful outcomes, including positive changes in student BMI. Yet, varying approaches were used to achieve success, reinforcing the fact that a one-size-fits-all approach is not necessary to impact childhood obesity. However, building on successful interventions, future school-based obesity prevention interventions should integrate culturally specific intervention strategies, aim to incorporate an environmental component, and include parents whenever possible. Consideration should be given to the potential impact of long-term, frequent dosage interventions, and subsequent follow-up should be given attention to determine long-term efficacy

Differences between Undergraduate and Graduate Students in Stress and Coping Strategies

Background and Purpose: Stress among college students, and the related health and academic consequences, remains an important issue for college health professionals. Yet, less is known about the reported coping strategies among both undergraduate and graduate students. Purpose: This crosssectional study examined differences between undergraduate and graduate college students in stress levels and coping behaviors. Methods: An online health behavior survey was administered to a random sample of 1,139 college students enrolled in 2011. Chi-square test of independence examined demographic differences, stress levels and coping strategies. Classification and Regression Tree analysis further explored coping strategies which differentiated groups. Results: Participants were primarily white (87.2%), graduate students (58.5%), and female (59.8%). Almost 80% reported moderate, much or great deal of stress, with no significant differences between undergraduate and graduate students. Sleep (69.6%), exercise (66.1%), and food (56.8%) were the most common coping strategies, regardless of academic classification. Social support as a coping strategy was the most important variable explaining differences between undergraduate and graduate students. Conclusion: Undergraduate and graduate college students cope with stress in a similar manner. However, social support was more likely among graduate students and may be an important strategy for future college health programming

Polytobacco Use Among College Students

INTRODUCTION: Use of more than one tobacco product among college students is increasing in popularity, leading to nicotine addiction and additional health risks. The study (1) examined polytobacco use patterns among college students who had ever used tobacco; and (2) assessed the sociodemographic and personal factors associated with current polytobacco use, compared to current single product use and former tobacco use among college students. METHODS: Of 10,000 randomly selected college students from a large public university in the Southeast, a sample of 1593 students age 18 or older completed an online survey assessing tobacco use and attitudes. Ever tobacco users were included in this study (n = 662, or 41.6% of survey completers). RESULTS: About 15% of ever users reported current polytobacco use, and more than 70% of polytobacco users smoked cigars, little cigars, or clove cigarettes in combination with one or more products. Cigarettes were the most commonly-used product among single users, followed by hookah. Males, underclassmen, and students with greater acceptance of cigarette use were more likely to be polytobacco users. Race/ethnicity was marginally related to polyuse status, with white/non-Hispanics 28% less likely to be polytobacco users versus single product users. CONCLUSIONS: Polytobacco users were more likely than single users to consume emerging tobacco products, (ie, hookah and electronic cigarettes). Males, underclassmen, and racial/ethnic minorities were more at risk for polytobacco use. As young people are particularly prone to nicotine addiction, there is a need to further investigate polytobacco use among college students

Cancer Curriculum for Appalachian Kentucky Middle and High Schools

Background: Appalachian Kentucky faces the highest cancer incidence and mortality rates in the country due to poor health behaviors and lifestyle choices. These poor health behaviors are facilitated by a lack of cancer education. Youth represent a vulnerable population that could be greatly impacted by increased cancer education. Teachers have the power to facilitate this learning. Purpose: This study examined the need for cancer education curriculum in Appalachian Kentucky middle and high schools from the perspective of educators. Methods: An online survey was conducted with science and health teachers (n=21) in Appalachian Kentucky, consisting of questions that investigated existing cancer education efforts, relevance of cancer education, and feasibility of such curriculum being delivered in the classroom. Content analysis was used to analyze teacher comments. A 3-part cancer education curriculum was developed that is culturally relevant and aligned with science and health education standards. Results: All participating teachers agree that cancer education is important to students’ lives. Teachers also agree that there is an inconsistent amount of cancer education within schools, and qualitative content analysis revealed that cancer education likely fits best in certain course subjects. Cancer education could feasibly be integrated into science and health classrooms, although the perception of needing to teach to the academic standards and having limited time to teach additional lessons outside of the standards are significant barriers. To combat this, a cancer curriculum that aligns with state and national science and health education standards was developed. Implications: Cancer education curriculum could play an important role in improving the cancer outlook in Appalachian Kentucky. Teachers have expressed a desire for increased cancer education in the classroom. By disseminating and implementing cancer curriculum in schools in the region and revising the curriculum -based on teacher and student feedback to better fit their needs, it has the potential to increase cancer literacy and improve related health behaviors and outcomes

Testing Multi-Theory Model (MTM) in Predicting Initiation and Sustenance of Physical Activity Behavior Among College Students

Background: Most college students do not adequately participate in enough physical activity (PA) to attain health benefits. A theory-based approach is critical in developing effective interventions to promote PA. The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of the newly proposed multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change in predicting initiation and sustenance of PA among college students. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, a valid and reliable survey was administered in October 2015 electronically to students enrolled at a large Southern US University. The internal consistency Cronbach alphas of the subscales were acceptable (0.65-0.92). Only those who did not engage in more than 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic PA during the past week were included in this study. Results: Of the 495 respondents, 190 met the inclusion criteria of which 141 completed the survey. The majority of participants were females (72.3%) and Caucasians (70.9%). Findings of the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed construct validity of sub-scales (initiation model: χ2 = 253.92 [df = 143], P \u3c 0.001, CFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.07, SRMR = 0.07; sustenance model: χ2= 19.40 [df = 22], P \u3c 0.001, CFI = 1.00, RMSEA = 0.00, SRMR = 0.03). Multivariate regression analysis showed that 26% of the variance in the PA initiation was explained by advantages outweighing disadvantages, behavioral confidence, work status, and changes in physical environment. Additionally, 29.7% of the variance in PA sustenance was explained by emotional transformation, practice for change, and changes in social environment. Conclusion: Based on this study\u27s findings, MTM appears to be a robust theoretical framework for predicting PA behavior change. Future research directions and development of suitable intervention strategies are discussed

Intention to Quit Smoking and Polytobacco Use Among College Student Smokers

Little is known about polytobacco use in college students. One nationally representative survey indicated 51.3% of tobacco-using college students used more than one product, which may increase risk of tobacco-related disease and premature death. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of intention to quit smoking (ITQS) cigarettes with polytobacco use status, controlling for frequency of tobacco product use and cigarette smoking intensity as measured by cigarettes per day (CPD). Data are from a larger quasi-experimental study conducted at a large state university in the Southeastern United States. Analysis is based on the combined sample of current smokers from two randomly selected cohorts surveyed two months apart. Polytobacco users (n = 52) were as likely as cigarette-only users (n = 81) to intend to quit smoking. Compared to students who used tobacco products 1–9 days per month, students using 10–29 days per month or daily reported higher ITQS. Higher intensity smokers (\u3e 10 CPD) were 71% less likely to indicate ITQS, compared to lower intensity smokers (≤ 10 CPD) (p = .025). College student polytobacco users were as likely as those using only cigarettes to intend to quit smoking. Interventions are needed to target college student polytobacco users as well as cigarette smokers as both groups may intend to quit. Smokers using 10 or fewer CPD and those who use tobacco products daily or 10–29 days per month may be more motivated to quit than college students who smoke with more intensity but who use tobacco products less frequently

Assessing the Testability of the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) in Predicting Vaping Quitting Behavior among Young Adults in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Purpose: Given the increased exposure to e-cigarettes and nicotine among young adults, difficulty in quitting vaping is likely, which supports the need for effective behavioral interventions. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aims to assess the testability of the contemporary multi-theory model of health behavior change in predicting the vaping quitting behavior among young adults in the United States. Methods: A nationally representative sample of 619 young adults engaged in vaping behavior and aged 18–24 years was recruited to complete a 49-item web-based survey. A structural equation model was used to test relationships between MTM constructs. Hierarchical multiple regression was utilized to predict the variance in the initiation and sustenance of vaping quitting behavior by predictor variables, such as demographic characteristics, history of behaviors, and MTM constructs. Results: Of 619 respondents, over 75% were White and nearly 70% had educational attainment equal to high school or some college. In total, 62% of respondents were using nicotine, followed by 33.3% were using cannabis. About 80% of the respondents reported being engaged in drinking alcohol, and nearly 45% were engaged in cigarette smoking. The predictive effect of all MTM constructs on vaping quitting initiation (adjusted R2 = 0.417, F (23, 595) = 20.215, p \u3c 0.001) and sustenance (adjusted R2 = 0.366, F (23, 595) = 16.533, p \u3c 0.001) was statistically significant. Conclusions: The findings of this study point to the usability and applicability of MTM in operationalizing and developing vaping quitting behavior interventions targeting young adults