Public Health Commons^™

The Effect Of Outdoor Physical Activity On Adults With Clinical Depression, Katie Hao

2020 Symposium Posters

Mental health is a condition in regard to the human brain and how the human brain is neurologically triggered. Millions of people are diagnosed with clinical depression every year, but are not aware of how to maintain a healthy mental status once they are diagnosed. Clinical depression is not only a condition, but also a state of mind which results in the need of being active as much as possible to prevent the feelings of loneliness and sadness. There are several medications available to treat the mental illness, however they can be costly. One cost efficient way experts have found …

The Relationship Between Tree Canopy And Social Capital On Physical Activity In Unlv Students, Melissa Bartshe

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Despite the numerous health benefits, rates of physical activity are low, especially among the college student population. Neighborhood tree canopy is one aspect of the built environment that has been shown to positively impact physical activity. Social capital has also been correlated with higher rates of physical activity. The sprawling urban design and arid desert climate of Las Vegas pose unique challenges to both tree canopy and social capital. Additionally, the relationship between tree canopy, social capital, and physical activity is understudied in the college student population. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of tree canopy …

Relation Of Flt-1 And Endothelial Function In Women Soon After Delivery: Effect Of Physical Activity And Sedentary Behavior, Chloe W. Caudell

Senior Theses

Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) are believed to be caused by poor placental formation. APOs can be characterized by elevated levels of a circulating Fms-like tyrosine kinase biomarker called Flt-1, produced by the placenta when its blood vessels are shallow or inadequately formed. Flt-1 acts directly on the maternal endothelium to impair vascular function during pregnancy and contributes to maternal features of APOs. This study aimed to evaluate the relation of Flt-1 and endothelial function in women soon after delivery. This study also aimed to evaluate the relation of Flt-1 and physical activity and sedentary behavior in women during and soon …

A Coaching And/Or Education Intervention Targeting Physical Activity And Nutrition Behaviours In Parents With Overweight/Obesity And Their Children, Shazya Karmali

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The purpose of this dissertation is to provide a detailed overview of, findings from, and experiences participating in a 3-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) targeting obesity-related behaviours in parents with overweight/obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25 kg/m²) and their children (2.5-10 years old, any weight; N = 50 dyads). A concurrent mixed methods study comprised of an RCT and descriptive qualitative design was utilized. Parent-participants received Co-Active Life Coaching (CALC) and webinar-based health education (intervention) or education only (control). To address the dissertation’s purpose, Chapter II provides a detailed methodological account of the program, including rationale and …

Impact Of A 6-Month Exercise Intervention On Cognitive Function Among Ovarian Cancer Survivors: The Women’S Activity And Lifestyle Study In Connecticut (Walc), Jonica Yu Kao

Public Health Theses

Purpose: Cancer survivors often exhibit symptoms of impaired cognitive abilities after chemotherapy treatment. Physical activity has been shown to be promising in improving cognitive function among survivors for various types of cancer. However, very few studies have addressed this concern among the ovarian cancer patient population specifically.

Methods: The study randomized 111 physically-inactive ovarian cancer survivors into a 6-month exercise intervention (n=59) or an attention-control group (n=52). The FACT-Cog scale was self-reported to understand survivor perceptions of cognitive abilities at baseline and at 6 months. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were executed to examine the effect of the intervention versus attention-control …

Quality Of Life, Physical Activity, And Weight Status For A Sample Of Online Students, Walaa Awad

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Obesity has been identified as a global health problem and a risk factor for many chronic diseases. While previous studies discussed the weight status and factors associated with overweight and obesity among adults enrolled in traditional universities, few studies have yet estimated the obesity rate among adults who choose online education. Guided by the social cognitive theory, this descriptive exploratory quantitative study used a survey to collect primary data from adult online students of three higher educational institutions. The survey examined the effect of quality of life and physical activity level on the weight status of the participants; taking into …

Lifestyle Factors And Social Determinants As Predictors Of Weight/Body Mass Index, Uthman Alhaji Baba

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Obesity is a major public health concern that includes the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and premature death in adults. Previous studies have established the relationship between gender, educational level, household income and respondents’ weight but additional research is needed to factor the nature of education in relation to gender differences, diet, and other important behavioral mediators such as social determinants. The purpose of this quantitative cross-sectional study is to determine the extent to which frequency of physical activity, household income, social determinants of health (money for balanced meals, finances at the end of month, and poor mental health), respondent …

The Impact Of Covid-19 On Worksite Wellness Programs, Marilyn S. Campbell

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

Introduction: Worksite wellness programs are popular employer offerings as of the last few decades. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major shifts in behavior since these programs have been implemented. The purpose of this study was to see how the pandemic has affected various offerings within a university worksite wellness program.

Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of a university worksite wellness program, and it compares participation in the various offerings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by evaluating 2019 participation (pre-pandemic) to 2020 participation (including onset of the pandemic and after). This worksite wellness program, which is available to …

Addressing Barriers To Physical Activity In Vermont's Geriatric Population, Stephanie Udawatta

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

A wide array of barriers exist which prevent many geriatric patients from engaging in regular physical activity. This project addresses the barriers unique to Vermont's population of geriatric patients and explores potential solutions.

Fitnessgram Assessment Results In Five Rural Counties Of Georgia, Tara L. Underwood, Jimmie H. Smith Jr, Dawood H. Sultan

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Childhood obesity continues to be more prevalent in the United States (US) than ever before. Youth who reside in rural areas tend to experience higher risks of obesity and overweight status, mainly due to barriers to physical activity. Even though the US federal government has mandated a daily requirement of physical activity for all school-age children, the majority of youth from rural communities tend to not achieve the recommended Health Fitness Zone (HFZ) goals.

Methods: The FITNESSGRAM is the instrument that has been used to measure and report students’ physical activity and body mass index (BMI) based …

Screening Of Physical Activity Levels In Older Adults At A Community-Based Health Fair: A Feasibility Study, David B. Gillette, Preeti Oza, Todd E. Davenport

Pacific Journal of Health

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of activity level screenings in community-based health fairs. Additionally, we assessed relationships between participants’ sociodemographics, health-related factors and self-reported activity levels.

Methods: Feasibility was assessed by the time required to conduct screenings and ease of integrating it into the health fair workflow. Physical Therapy students collected responses using Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) and the Physical Activity Level (PAL) items from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Results:Screenings increased service and wait times. Participants (N=37, mean age=71.5 years) reported a mean of 4.8 fall risk factors, …

Physical Activity Among Preschool-Aged Children: Considerations For Waking Activity Patterns And Health, Erin Dooley

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

With nearly one-quarter (23%) of U.S. preschool children (ages 3-5 years) having overweight or obesity, supporting healthy growth and development is paramount. Hispanic children have the highest prevalence within this age group (15.6%) and a large projected population growth. Energy expenditure through physical activity is one way to combat excess development of obesity and poor health outcomes. Yet there is limited evidence about the correlates associated with physical activity and health within this population. The three studies of this dissertation examined sociodemographic-, cultural-, and context-related factors related to waking activity patterns and the subsequent impact on health indicators. The overall …

Examining The Relation Between Social Capital And Physical Activity Across Life Stages, Leigh Ann Ganzar

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

Physical inactivity in adults increases the risk for adverse health outcomes, including non-communicable diseases and premature death. Children who are not sufficiently physically active face increased risk for non-communicable disease risk factors, mental health issues, and poor academic performance. Despite these risks, the majority of people do not achieve sufficient physical activity levels. Social capital is an aspect of the social environment that can shape physical activity behavior throughout different life stages. The three studies of this dissertation sought to assess the association between social capital, from both the cohesion and network perspectives, and physical activity behavior in different life …

Examining Differences In Physical Activity By Socio-Demographics, Employment, And Social Support Among U.S. Adolescents, Ashleigh Marie Johnson

Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)

The overall decline in physical activity levels during adolescence supports the examination of intrapersonal-, interpersonal-, and behavior-level factors that may influence physical activity behavior among this population. The three papers within this dissertation aimed to examine associations of socio-demographics and socio-environmental factors with physical activity among U.S. adolescents. Papers 1 and 3 used data from the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) Study. Paper 1 examined differences in adolescent physical activity by gender and race/ethnicity, and examined modification by grade and socioeconomic status (SES). Paper 3 examined the association of parent- and adolescent-reported parental social support with adolescent …

Resedent Study- Reducing Sedentary Behaviour May Slow Cognitive Decline In Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study, Kirsten B. Dillon

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Physical activity (PA) has been shown to slow down dementia. Unfortunately, older adults spend most of their day in sedentary behaviours (SB). Breaking up prolonged bouts of sitting with intermittent bouts of light intensity PA may reduce glycemic variability in the brain; potentially mitigating cognitive decline. This study investigated how interrupting SB with 10 min bouts of light intensity PA 3x a day would affect mild to moderate cognitive impairment progression (primary outcome) in older adults residing in an assisted living facility. Participants (n=25) were assigned in clusters into a two arm 10-week single site pilot randomized controlled trial. Secondary …

A Qualitative Phenomenological Exploration Of The Experiences Of Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease Engaged In A Boxing Program, Bradley Maccosham, Evan Webb, Jessica Oey, Francois Gravelle

The Qualitative Report

Boxing has emerged as a beneficial form of physical activity (PA) for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Research typically emphasizes the physical benefits of boxing for individuals with PD but neglects other aspects that could promote long-term engagement in such programs. This study qualitatively explored the experiences of individuals with PD who are engaged in a boxing program. A qualitative phenomenological methodology was utilized. Twelve participants took part in a semi-structured interview. Data were thematically analyzed. Analysis revealed that participants experienced a variety of physical, social, and psychological aspects. Findings suggest that participants perceived increases in physical abilities and concentration …

“Do I Need Exercise?” A Qualitative Study On Factors Affecting Leisure-Time Physical Activity In India, Shalini Garg, V Raman Kutty

The Qualitative Report

Physical activity can reduce the risk of premature mortality from various chronic diseases. Previous research in Kerala, India indicates several barriers which can impact physical activity levels. Perceptions about the importance of health-promoting physical activity were examined among adults in Kerala and various facilitators, motivators and barriers to physical activity were identified using focus group discussions and interviews with key informants. At present, the attitude of people and health professionals is that physical activity has to be taken up when diagnosed with a disease (obesity, diabetes) and advised by a health professional. Men were more likely to start exercising after …

Physical Activity Environments In Rural Communities: Exploring The Relationship Between Community Perceptions And The Environment, Elizabeth M. Bye

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To assess the physical activity environment, community perceptions of the physical activity environment, and the relationship between these variables in rural and/or underserved communities with high obesity prevalence.
Methods: The Rural Active Living Assessment (RALA) was used to assess the programs and policies (PPA), town-wide amenities (TWA), and street segments (SSA) of the physical activity environment and the Rural Active Living Perceived Environmental Support Scale (RALPESS) was used to assess community perception of the physical activity environment within eleven rural and/or underserved communities. Each section of the RALA and RALPESS are further broken down into additional subsections in order …

Designing And Implementing Inclusive Community-Based Health Promotion Intiatives, Cassandra Herman

All ETDs from UAB

Background: People with disabilities (PWDs) have poorer health outcomes, yet are they are underserved by public health initiatives. PWDs face numerous barriers to participation in community-based health programs despite mounting evidence about these barriers along with recommendations and guidelines to become more inclusive of disability. Policy, system, and environmental (PSE) changes that are inclusive of PWDs can help create access to health promotion programs for PWDs. Systematically implementing inclusive PSE changes using implementation science principles can support effective and sustainable changes are implemented for each unique community context. The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the experiences of public …

A Comprehensive Evaluation Of A Home Visitation Program Model's Prenatal Physical Activity Curriculum Modules Delivered Primarily To Low-Income Women, Angela Marie Dyer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Background. Many low-income pregnant women receive prenatal physical activity (PA) curricula modules through home visitation programs. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence on the structural capacity, processes, and outcomes relating to these modules. Aims. The objective of this dissertation project was to examine the aforementioned in a single home visitation program model - the Maternal Infant Health Outreach Worker (MIHOW) program. More precisely, the aims of this study were to: (Aim 1) examine home visitors’ (i.e., Outreach Workers [OWs]) competencies in implementing the MIHOW program’s prenatal PA curriculum modules (i.e., structural capacity), (Aim 2) …

Impact Evaluation Of The Church Environment As An Enabler Of Physical Activity Among Church-Going African Americans In New York City, Moses Mansu

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Background: While African Americans in NYC are more likely to have sedentary lifestyles than other racial groups, it is known that regular moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) reduces their risks of chronic diseases. Recognizing that the church has a deep reach in the African American community, the NYCDOHMH in 2015 initiated a PA program in70 houses of worship, among which were 49 African American churches. Free exercise equipment and the services of paid fitness instructors were donated to participating organizations to conduct exercise classes.

An Examination Of Active Commuting By Race/Ethnicity, Income And Location, Dangaia Sims, Melissa Bopp

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Introduction

Active commuting (AC; walking and biking to work) is associated with a number of positive health outcomes, low participation remains low in the USA. Our objective was to examine the multi-level influences on AC considering social determinants of health: race/ethnicity, income level and location.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey examining correlates of AC in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The sample consisted of 1,310 adults over the age of 18 who were employed part- or full-time outside of the home and physically able to walk and bike. One-way ANOVAs, t-tests, and Pearson correlation analyses were run …

Determinants Of Hydration In Children: The Role Of Physical Activity And Parental Dietary Habits, Hyun-Gyu Suh

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

PURPOSE: The purpose of these studies was 1) to examine the factors that influence the water intake in children and 2) to identify the optimal time window to assess hydration status that would be equivalent to 24-hour urine sample in children. METHODS: Study 1: Data for 200 parents (age:3-13y, female:62%, BMI:28.4±7.0kg∙m-2) and 200 children (age:7.5±2.9y, female:44%, BMI:17.7±3.9kg∙m-2) were recruited. Subjects recorded their fluid and food consumption on the 2-day diary, and food data were analyzed by using the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR) program. Physical activity levels were assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). All urine samples …

Physical Activity Monitoring Through A Wearable Technological Device, Alissa Underhill

Scholar Week 2016 - present

PURPOSE: To assess the use of a wearable technological device for the increase in attainment of physical activity (PA) with the goal of preventing Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) through weight loss.

METHODS: Men and women over the age of 40, and at risk for prediabetes, were recruited. The study period was four months in length, with an initial four weeks of baseline PA testing, followed by 12 weeks of lifestyle intervention. Participants averaged 72 days of PA tracking with 46% of participants reaching the maximal number of days (77). RESULTS: Participants (N = 13) were aged …

Neighborhood-Level Predictors And Obesity Among African-American Children, Uche Onyeka

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The steady raise in childhood obesity is a major public health problem nationally and globally. Childhood obesity is primarily caused by an imbalance between caloric intake and caloric expenditure. The increase in childhood obesity rates over the past 3 decades suggested involvement of environmental and behavioral factors in the obesity epidemic. While childhood obesity is considered a public health crisis in the United States, only limited research is available about the potential impact of neighborhood-level factors such as access to healthy food, neighborhood safety, and risk-free outdoor playgrounds. The purpose of this study was to examine if any relationships existed …

Young Female College Millennials' Intent For Behavior Change With Wearable Fitness Technology, Andrea Christine Haney

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Among young college-aged females, overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, and high stress levels have increased, causing overall worse health conditions than previous generations. The use of wearable fitness technology (WFT) by young adults assists in fitness and nutrition monitoring, provides feedback in health statistics, and has shown improvements in reducing health-related issues in young college females. A wide body of literature related to physical activity, nutrition, and health issues in young college females exists; however, the experiences and intent of WFT use for behavior change by young college female millennials has not been well researched. The purpose …

Essential Components Of Participation For An Exercise Program For Underserved, Older, African-American Females, Marina Meinert

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Physical activity (PA) is beneficial to people of all ages and ethnicities. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of multiple chronic diseases, improve mood and sleep and allows your body to function better overall (CDC, 2018). However, populations that are more vulnerable to adverse health risks may benefit more than others from regular physical activity. This study was designed to identify the motivating factors for physical activity in a sample of older, African-American women of lower socioeconomic status (SES). This particular subgroup was chosen because of their increased risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease due to unhealthy lifestyle factors, …

Experimentally Investigating The Joint Effects Of Physical Activity And Sedentary Behavior On Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Jeremiah Blough

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To experimentally examine whether increasing sedentary behavior, among a young adult active population, for one week is still associated with increased depression symptomology even when allowing for a moderate engagement in physical activity (PA). Methods: Participants were confirmed as active via self-report and accelerometry during baseline and randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups. The Sedentary Intervention Group (n=19) reduced steps to less than 5000/day and were not alloto exercise for one-week; the Reduced MVPA (moderate-to-vigorous PA) Group (n=18) reduced steps to less than 5000/day but exercised for 50% of their previously reported vigorous PA for one-week; and …

Socio-Economic Determinants Of Physical Activity Across The Life Course: A "Determinants Of Diet And Physical Activity" (Dedipac) Umbrella Literature Review, Grainne O’Donoghue, Aileen Kennedy, Anna Puggina, Katina Aleksovska, Christoph Buck, Con Burns, Greet Cardon, Angela Carlin, Donatella Ciarapica, Marco Colotto, Giancarlo Condello, Tara Coppinger, Cristina Cortis, Sara D’Haese, Marieke De Craemer, Andrea Di Blasio, Sylvia Hansen, Licia Iacoviello, Johann Issartel, Pascal Izzicupo, Lina Jaeschke, Martina Kanning, Fiona Ling, Agnes Luzak, Giorgio Napolitano, Julie Anne Nazare, Camille Perchoux, Caterina Pesce, Tobias Pischon, Angela Polito, Alessandra Sannella, Holger Schulz

Publications

Background To date, the scientific literature on socioeconomic correlates and determinants of physical activity behaviours has been dispersed throughout a number of systematic reviews, often focusing on one factor (e.g. education or parental income) in one specific age group (e.g. pre-school children or adults). The aim of this umbrella review is to provide a comprehensive and systematic overview of the scientific literature from previously conducted research by summarising and synthesising the importance and strength of the evidence related to socioeconomic correlates and determinants of PA behaviours across the life course. Methods Medline, Embase, ISI Web of Science, Scopus and SPORTDiscus …

Hockey Fans In Training: A Pilot Pragmatic 1 Randomized Controlled Trial, Robert Petrella, Dawn P. Gill, Guangyong Zou, Ashleigh De Cruz, Brendan Riggin, Cassandra Bartol, Karen Danylchuk, Kate Hunt, Sally Wyke, Cindy M. Gray, Christopher Bunn, Merrick Zwarenstein

Lifestyle Research Team

Introduction Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) is a gender-sensitized weight loss and healthy lifestyle program. We investigated 1) feasibility of recruiting and retaining overweight and obese men into a pilot pragmatic randomized controlled trial and 2) potential for Hockey FIT to lead to weight loss and improvements in other outcomes at 12 wk and 12 months.

Methods Male fans of two ice hockey teams (35–65 yr; body mass index ≥28 kg·m−2) located in Ontario (Canada) were randomized to intervention (Hockey FIT) or comparator (wait-list control). Hockey FIT includes a 12-wk active phase (weekly, coach-led group meetings including provision of …