Multilevel correlates of household anthropometric typologies in Colombian mothers and their infants

Background. The aim of this study was to establish the association of maternal, family, and contextual correlates of anthropometric typologies at the household level in Colombia using 2005 Demographic Health Survey (DHS/ENDS) data.Methods. Household-level information from mothers 18-49 years old and their children less than 5 years old was included. Stunting and overweight were assessed for each child. Mothers were classified according to their body mass index. Four anthropometric typologies at the household level were constructed: normal, underweight, overweight, and dual burden. Four three-level [households (n = 8598) nested within municipalities (n = 226), nested within states (n = 32)] hierarchical polytomous logistic models were developed. Household log-odds of belonging to one of the four anthropometric categories, holding 'normal' as the reference group, were obtained.Results. This study found that anthropometric typologies were associated with maternal and family characteristics of maternal age, parity, maternal education, and wealth index. Higher municipal living conditions index was associated with a lower likelihood of underweight typology and a higher likelihood of overweight typology. Higher population density was associated with a lower likelihood of overweight typology.Conclusion. Distal and proximal determinants of the various anthropometric typologies at the household level should be taken into account when framing policies and designing interventions to reduce malnutrition in Colombia. Copyright © The Author(s) 2018

Weight Gain in College Freshmen: Emerging Adulthood and Health Responsibility

Background and Purpose: College freshmen gain weight at double the rate of same-age peers, and personal, interpersonal, and situational factors play a role in this phenomenon. The objectives of the study were to quantify weight change in first semester college students and to identify predictors of weight gain. Methods: In fall 2011, 76 unmarried freshmen, living in dormitories at a public, southwestern U.S. university, participated in the study. Heights and weights were measured at the beginning and end of the semester, and an on-line survey was administered at both times. Results: In the first semester of college, 43% gained clinically significant weight (> 3.5 pounds) and 15% gained more than 10 pounds. The group at highest risk was students with a normal BMI; 50% of this cohort gained clinically significant weight. Two variables predicted 12% of weight gain: a low level of health responsibility and a normal BMI. Conclusion: For college freshmen at highest risk of precipitous weight gain, health promotion strategies aimed at maximizing health responsibility is needed. Additionally, an integration of mediating influences related to the developmental stage of emerging adulthood, such as perceived social norms, positive peer influence and self-efficacy may result in improved long-term lifestyle practices

ASPECTS OF A THREE DIMENSIONAL MOTION ANALYSIS OF THE VOLLEYBALL SPIKE IN HIGH LEVEL COMPETITION

The purpose of the study was a three dimensional motion analysis of the volleyball spike from position four during competition. Spikes were analysed at a tournament of the European league. Regarding the jump technique, only few athletes performed the discussed coordination pattern of the impulses within the body. It may be concluded that there exists reserves within the training process concerning the coordination in the takeoff phase even in high level athletes