Destroying God’s temple? Physical Inactivity, Poor Diet, Obesity, and other “Sin” Behaviors

Individual differences in health behavior across religious and spiritual individuals might be attributed to the general belief that the body is God’s temple, and should be treated with care and respect. Also, it is possible that some behaviors are thought to destroy the body (God’s temple), while inactivity, poor diet, and obesity might not be viewed in this way. Thus, our first aim was to assess current beliefs and attitudes regarding the role of physical inactivity, poor diet, and obesity in the destruction of the body, God’s temple. Subsequently, our second aim was to determine if these beliefs and attitudes were correlated with actual, self-reported physical activity, dietary intake, and body mass index (BMI). An online survey assessing the aforementioned variables was administered to 112 adults (≥ 18 years of age) who considered themselves Christians, and had a mean BMI of 26.36 ± 6.29 kg/m2. Participants self-reported their religion with the majority selecting Baptist (29%), other (22%), or Non-Denominational (21%). On average, participants had a moderate-high belief that their body was God’s temple (i.e. manifestation of God in the body; M = 64.84 out of possible score of 84). Mean beliefs that obesity, physically inactive lifestyle, poor diet, and overeating destroy the body, God’s temple were similar to those beliefs regarding drug use, smoking, and excessive drinking, but higher than pre-marital sex, tattoos, body piercings, and lust. When these beliefs were correlated with the manifestation of God in the body, only premarital sex (r = .68), lust (r = .62), tattoos (r = .42), body piercings (r = .38), drug use (r = .26), and smoking (r = .19) were found to be significant (p ≤ .05). Self-perceived manifestation of God in the body was significantly positively correlated (p \u3c .01) with prayer frequency (r = .65), church attendance (r = .67), and spirituality (r = .76). Spirituality was positively correlated (p \u3c .01) with prayer frequency (r = .77) and church attendance (r = .66). However, manifestation of God in the body was not correlated with physical activity, dietary intake, or BMI. In conclusion, our participants were definitive in their belief that physically inactive lifestyles, unhealthy eating, overeating, and being obese destroy the body, God’s temple. However, destroying the body with physical inactivity or poor diet was not necessarily viewed as sinful, on average, with variation in this view. Additionally, these beliefs did not correlate to self-reported physical activity, dietary behavior, and body weight (i.e. BMI). Also, the view that one’s body is God’s temple (i.e. manifestation of God in the body) did not correlate to beliefs that physical inactivity, poor diet and obesity destroy the body, but did relate to beliefs that premarital sex, lust, tattoos, body piercings, drug use, and smoking destroy the body. It is possible, then, that physical inactivity, poor dietary habits, and obesity are not internalized into the spiritual perspective as destroying the body, God’s temple, in the same way as other “sin” behaviors. Such findings provide a foundation for future research to expand our understanding of the confluence of health and spiritual lifestyles

The HBCU Effect: An Exploration of HBCU Alumni's Peer Networks and Workforce Outcomes

The HBCU Effect research series seeks to understand, validate and promote the success of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to develop a counter-narrative that fully illustrates the value and competitiveness of our institutions. By uncovering HBCU truth through data and research, the HBCU Effect will illuminate how HBCUs yield a high return on investment by equipping their students, in particular first-generation students, with resources to close education and wealth gaps—transforming generations.HBCUs are top producers of Black STEM graduates, Black medical doctors, veterinarians, and graduate low-income students at higher rates than PWIs (Lee & Keys, 2013; Richards & Awokoya, 2012), while their students also report greater academic and social gains. Yet, limited data exist regarding workforce outcomes for Black HBCU alumni. This mixed-methods study adds to UNCF's ongoing effort to create a counter-narrative through our HBCU Effect research agenda. This brief, consisting of our early quantitative findings, and the collective study adds to our knowledge of the HBCU Effect by addressing gaps in knowledge about workforce outcomes at HBCUs, and how social experiences and networks affect the academic and workforce experiences of Black HBCU alumni

Executive Function Relationships to Sitting Time and Physical Activity: A Pilot Study

Executive function (EF) refers to the neurocognitive perspective of supervisory abilities to self-regulate during goal-direct behavior. More specifically, the ability to attend to and inhibit dominant responses (i.e. Attention/Inhibition) has been found to moderate the intention and physical activity (PA) relationship, yet does not appear to relate to PA. However, this EF is related to other health behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption (i.e. behaviors to be inhibited). The lack of relationship to PA might be due to it being a behavior that is not to be inhibited, compared to a behavior that should be inhibited (e.g. sitting time). PURPOSE: To compare relationships of various executive functions to physical activity and sitting time. METHODS: Sixteen college-aged males (n=5) and females (n=11) (Age = 22.38±1.26 years; BMI = 25.57±7.58 kg/m2) completed the study. At time 1, participants provided demographics, self-reported PA (IPAQ-SF), and were asked to wear a Yamax Digiwalker SW-200 pedometer for 7 days to assess normal, PA in average steps/day (week 1). At time 2, three executive functions were assessed via computer-based tasks: Attention/Inhibition (Stroop task), Planning/Problem Solving (Tower of London), and Working Memory (Corsi Block Task). Participants were provided with a goal 50% greater than their week 1 average step/day count, and all intended to meet this goal over the following 7 days (week 2). RESULTS: On average, participants self-reported 496.88±142.72 min/day of sitting, and had an average step count of 7744.31±2900.20 steps/day for week 1. The average step change across week 2 was +2245.31±1102.32 steps/day – falling short of their prescribed step goal by ~1627 steps/day. Attention/Inhibition was positively related to sitting time (r = .61, p \u3c .01), and Planning/Problem Solving was the only EF related to change in steps from week 1 to week 2 (r = -.53, p \u3c .05). No other EFs related to sitting time, moderate- or vigorous-intensity PA. CONCLUSION: The present pilot data supports our initial hypothesis that Attention/Inhibition executive abilities are related to sedentary time, such as sitting, but not PA. To guide future research, Planning/Problem Solving was the only EF to be related PA, while Working Memory was not related to any PA outcomes

Relationships Between Self-regulation and use of Parenting Strategies for Eating and Physical Activity Behaviors Among Mexican-Heritage Mothers

It is important to understand theoretically based support behaviors that can promote healthy eating and active living among Mexican-heritage mothers. This study examined the relationship between maternal self-regulation (the capacity to plan, guide, and monitor one’s behavior flexibly in the face of changing circumstances) and use of parenting strategies among mothers residing along the Texas-Mexico border. Mothers (n = 116) were recruited from three geographic regions within Hidalgo County, Texas. A 21-item survey was administered to measure self-regulation through goal setting and limit setting. The Parenting Strategies for Eating and Activity Scale (PEAS) was used to measure parenting strategies such as limit setting, discipline, monitoring, and control. Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify relationships between self-regulation (goal setting and impulse control) and parenting strategies. Sociodemographic characteristics of mothers are also reported. On average mothers were 36 years old (SD = 7.44), married (82%), identified as Mexican (90%), and had fewer than 9 years of education (68%). Pearson correlations revealed goal setting to be positively associated with limit setting (r = .246, p \u3c .001), control (r = .203, p = .03), and monitoring (r = .336, p \u3c .001). Regression analyses revealed limit setting (β = .246, p \u3c .001), control (β = .203, p = .03), and monitoring (β = .336, p \u3c .001) as parenting strategies that were associated with goal setting (R2 = 0.12). Findings suggest that programs should include goal setting to facilitate use of parenting strategies to support healthy behaviors that promote healthy eating and physical activity. Emphasizing malleable behaviors rather than deficits in parenting strategies could allow for higher receptivity to behaviors that can promote health in a family context

Associations of Objectively Measured Light-Intensity Activity on Metabolic Risk Factors in Female Adults

Metabolic syndrome (MetSy) has been defined as a collection of metabolic irregularities that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality. Women are at an even greater risk for developing MetSy when compared to men with prevalence increasing with age. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has shown consistent association with decreases in risk of MetSy; however, light physical activity (LPA) has been studied less often in comparison. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between accelerometer-determined LPA and MetSy risk factors (waist circumference (WC), glucose, high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DPB)) across women of different age groups. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used to examine 68 female participants, ages 20-65, employed in sedentary careers working in an urban area in the south central United States. Venous blood samples were taken from the antecubital area of the arm from all participants who had fasted at least eight hours prior to their scheduled appointment times. Physical activity data was collected for seven days via hip-worn accelerometers with LPA being measured based on Freedson cut-points (100-1951 counts per minute). MetSy was diagnosed based on the criteria set forth by the National Cholesterol Education Program in 2002. Data were analyzed using regression analysis with SPSS version 20.0. Between-subject analysis was conducted for four age groups (group1=20-35; group2=36-45; group3=46-55; group4=55 and older) using LPA, WC, glucose, HDL, triglycerides, SBP, and DPB. RESULTS: Between-subject regression analysis showed HDL as a significant MetSy risk factor in a full model (p=0.02) and a model with age groups as the only independent variable (p=0.00). Post-hoc Tukey tests showed significance differences in HDL among groups 4 and 2 (confidence interval (CI): 4.03, 35.92; p=0.00), and groups 4 and 3 (CI: 6.06, 39.63; p=0.00). Significance dropped below the apriori level of 0.05 in a model based on LPA. Post-hoc Tukey tests revealed non-significant (α\u3e0.05) associations between LPA levels (high, medium, low) and all MetSy values. CONCLUSION: The relationship between LPA and MetSy risk factors has been studied less frequently than MVPA in relation to MetSy risk factors. Based on these findings LPA is not significantly related with these risk factors. Future studies should continue to explore the relationship between LPA and MetSy risk factors among both men and woman, and in different settings

What Sets Physically Active Rural Communities Apart from Less Active Ones? A Comparative Case Study of Three US Counties

Background: Rural US communities experience health disparities, including a lower prevalence of physical activity (PA). However, “Positive Deviants”—rural communities with greater PA than their peers—exist. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that help create physically active rural US communities. Methods: Stakeholder interviews, on-site intercept interviews, and in-person observations were used to form a comparative case study of two rural counties with high PA prevalence (HPAs) and one with low PA prevalence (LPA) from a southern US state, selected based on rurality and adult PA prevalence. Interview transcripts were inductively coded by three readers, resulting in a thematic structure that aligned with a Community Capital Framework, which was then used for deductive coding and analysis. Results: Fifteen stakeholder interviews, nine intercept interviews, and on-site observations were conducted. Human and Organizational Capital differed between the HPAs and LPA, manifesting as Social, Built, Financial, and Political Capital differences and a possible “spiraling-up” or cyclical effect through increasing PA and health (Human Capital), highlighting a potential causal model for future study. Conclusions: Multi-organizational PA coalitions may hold promise for rural PA by directly influencing Human and Organizational Capital in the short term and the other forms of capital in the long term

Paternal perceptions of responsibilities and child physical activity.

Childhood physical inactivity is a national concern due to health problems that extend into adulthood. Child physical activity has been recognized as a way to reduce childhood obesity and prevent problems that can span a lifetime including mental and physical health risks. Increasing childhood physical activity is complex with the role of the father remaining unknown, and with substantial barriers to physical activity existing in underserved populations. The purpose of this dissertation was to elucidate paternal perceptions of the father’s role in child physical activity and home responsibilities among Mexican-heritage fathers along the Texas-Mexico border. Open-ended questions were utilized in elicitation surveys and dyadic interviews among fathers to allow for unrestricted answers to capture the specific thoughts of this population. Elicitation surveys were quantitatively analyzed to determine frequency of responses within similar contexts. Dyadic interviews were examined to determine similar themes and context among a group of fathers. Keywords: elicitation, dyadic, father

Papás activos:Associations between physical activity, sedentary behavior and personal networks among fathers living in texas colonias

Despite growing health disparities in Latino populations related to lack of physical activity (PA), little is known regarding the impact of social networks on PA and sedentary behavior among a sample of Latino fathers residing in functionally rural colonias. Fathers wore accelerometers and responded to questions regarding their self-efficacy and characteristics of who they were active with most often. Fathers (n = 47) attained a mean of 73.3 min of moderate-to-vigorous PA (SD = 23.8) per day and were sedentary for a mean of 364.0 min (SD = 74.4) per day. In total, fathers reported 205 alters and significantly more family members (M = 3.60, SD = 1.64) than friends (M = 0.77, SD = 1.37). Sedentary time was positively associated with number of peers and inversely related to the number of children reported. Minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA was significantly associated with greater self-efficacy and number of family members reported. This study contributes to the evidence by further examining PA correlates of Latino fathers from functionally rural colonia communities. Additionally, this study supported both family systems theory and the socio–ecological model as it details the interpersonal and familial influences of PA behavior. Thus, supports for family activity promotion and programs which impact familial norms and activity at the family level may be particularly useful.</p

¿Qué Pasa Con Papá? Exploring Paternal Responsibilities and Physical Activity in Mexican-Heritage Families

Mexican-heritage children often achieve less physical activity (PA) than their counterparts and are at greater risk for associated comorbidities. Child PA is greatly influenced by their parents, yet researchers have rarely involved fathers in community health promotion. The purpose of this study is to examine Mexican-heritage fathers’ perceptions of responsibilities and self-reported activities. Promotoras recruited fathers (n = 300) from colonies on the Texas–Mexico border and administered Spanish-language surveys including paternal responsibilities, father PA, and PA co-participation. Two researchers coded responses. Open-ended items were coded and cross-tabulations between responsibilities and activities with children were examined. Fathers reported feeling monetary responsibilities most often. Fathers reported engaging in more activities with their sons than daughters; however, fathers engaged in very few activities specifically with their children. Feeling responsible for family expenses was associated with paternal PA co-participation with family and children. This study adds clarity to the role of Mexican-heritage fathers in child PA. Findings highlight potential areas for intervention including supporting fathers to take an active role in their children’s PA