Public Health Commons^™

Exploring The Associations Between Sexism, Physical Behaviors, And Psychosocial Correlates Of Physical Activity In Young Women, Melanna Cox

Doctoral Dissertations

Physical behaviors (PB), defined as physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), tend to be less favorable in women than in men. Low self-efficacy (SE) and social support (SS), and gender norms hinder women’s PB. Benevolent sexism, a theory on gender norms, could explain the gender disparity. PURPOSE: To 1) assess the associations among benevolent sexism endorsement (BSEN), experiences with benevolent sexism (EBS), PB, SE, and SS, 2) evaluate if BSEN or SE mediate the relationship between EBS and PB, and 3) develop a questionnaire that measures a woman’s sexist experiences in PA. METHODS: Study 1: Women (N=186) completed a …

The Effect Of Long Covid Syndrome On Physical Activity, Patrisha Hanna Villarmea

Master of Science in Kinesiology

Long covid syndrome is a condition where individuals experience persistent symptoms and functional limitations that can last about three months to two years after the initial Covid-19 infection. While long-term health consequences of Covid-19 have garnered significant attention,the impact of long covid syndrome symptoms is poorly understood. The purpose of the study is to explore the effect of long covid syndrome symptoms to an individual’s physical activity. Furthermore, this research aims to provide an overview of the existing literature on the effect of long covid syndrome symptoms on physical activity. The research would invite participants to answer two surveys that …

The Role Of Food Insecurity With Hunger And Physical Activity Level On Binge Drinking Among Vermont High School Students, Joe Stacy, Codi Williams, Zyakkiriah Rhoden, Han Naung Tun

Master of Public Health Culminating Projects

Objective: To determine the association of hunger, physical activity, Black Indigenous People Of Color (BIPOC) status , and BMI percentile on binge drinking among Vermont high schoolers.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on Vermont high school students aged between 12 to 18 years (n=18,540) using data obtained from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey of the Vermont Department of Health. Multiple logistic regression models were utilized to investigate the correlation between binge drinking status and hunger status, physically active status, BIPOC status, and Body Mass Index percentile.

Results: Binge drinkers had significantly higher levels of hunger …

Obesity Prevention Toolkit To Combat Weight Gain Related To Sedentary Behavior And Dietary Habits In College Students: An Evidence-Based Project, Maria Amos, Martha Fuller

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

Background: Forty percent of the US population ages 20-39 are categorized as obese,

their BMI is over 30, and 35% of college age students are obese or overweight. Issues related to obesity cost the US $147 billion annually. Between 40%-50% of college students are reported to be inactive. Inactivity can lead to increased morbidity and mortality related to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, musculoskeletal issues, and depression. Providing dietary and physical activity education and access to nutritional information promotes behavior change in young adults.

Aims of Service Change: This evidence-based project proposal aims to provide a toolkit …

Cannabis Use, Sedentary Behavior, And Physical Activity In A Nationally Representative Sample Of Us Adults, Lydia Q. Ong, John Belletierre, Citlali Alvorado, Paul Chavez, Vincent Berardi

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Prior research examining the relationship between cannabis use, sedentary behavior, and physical activity has generated conflicting findings, potentially due to biases in the self-reported measures used to assess physical activity. This study aimed to more precisely explore the relationship between cannabis use and sedentary behavior/physical activity using objective measures.

Methods

Data were obtained from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 2,092 participants (ages 20–59; 48.8% female) had accelerometer-measured sedentary behavior, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Participants were classified as light, moderate, frequent, or non-current cannabis users depending on how often they used …

A Profile Of Physical Activity In The City Of Knoxville's Lonsdale Park, Carly Scot Eakin

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Neighborhood-Level Predictors Of Obesity Among African American Children In California, Uche Onyeka

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

The increased prevalence of childhood obesity is a major public health concern nationally and globally. Childhood obesity is primarily caused by the imbalance between caloric intake and caloric expenditure; however, its increase over the past decades may be due to environmental and behavioral factors. The purpose of the current study was to examine if any relationships existed between childhood obesity, level of physical activity, and neighborhood-level risk factors. This study used the California Health Interview Survey 2009–2014 data sets for African American children aged 5–11 years (n = 1,049). The dependent variable was body mass index (BMI) while the …

Delay Discount Rate Moderates A Physical Activity Intervention Testing Immediate Rewards, Christine B. Phillips, Jane C. Hurley, Siddhartha S. Angadi, Michael Todd, Vincent Berardi, Melbourne Hovell, Marc A. Adams

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Financial incentives can increase physical activity (PA), but differences in the immediacy of reward delivery and individual differences in delay discount rates (i.e., higher discount values associated with less tolerance for delayed rewards) may explain differential responding. The current study tested whether delay discount rate moderated the relative effectiveness of immediate financial rewards on increasing daily PA. Inactive, overweight adults (ages 18–60, N = 96) were randomized to receive either smaller, immediate goal-contingent rewards or larger, delayed rewards for participation. Delay discount rates were derived for those who completed the Monetary Choice Questionnaire (N = 85). Linear mixed models tested …

Prompts To Increase Physical Activity At Points-Of-Choice Between Stairs And Escalators: What About Escalator Climbers?, John Belletierre, Ben Nguyen, Sandy Liles, Vincent Berardi, Marc A. Adams, Paddy Dempsey, Yael Benporat, Jacqueline Kerr, Andrea Z. Lacroix, Melbourne Hovell

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Since 1980, many studies have evaluated whether stair-use prompts increased physical activity by quantifying changes in stair use. To more completely evaluate changes in physical activity, this study addressed the often-overlooked assessment of climbing up escalators by evaluating the degree to which stair-use sign prompts increased active ascent—defined as stair use or escalator climbing. Over 5 months, at an airport stairs/escalator point of choice, we video-recorded passersby (N = 13,544) who ascended either stairs or escalators, on 10 days with signs and 10 days without signs. Ascenders using the stairs, standing on the escalator, and climbing the escalator were …

The Development And Testing Of A Direct Observation Protocol As A Criterion Measure For Children’S Simulated Free-Play Activity, Melanna Cox

Masters Theses

INTRODUCTION: Direct observation (DO) systems have been used for decades to assess free-living PA in children. These traditional DO systems identify the highest intensity observed during alternating observe-and-record periods. Using video-taped DO would allow researchers to code activities and contextual information each time the participant changes their behavior. PURPOSE: To develop and test a novel video-based DO system for children’s free-play activity. METHODS: Following iterative DO system development (The Observer XT, Noldus), 28 children (age=8.4 ± 1.5 years) participated in a 30-minute simulated free-play session that was recorded with a GoPro camera. Participants wore a portable indirect calorimetry (IC) device …

Asset-Based Community Capacity Building: A Process For Expanding A Retirement Home Physical Activity Program, Charlotte W. Crombeen

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The population is aging rapidly and physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour are on the rise, a trend noticed at a northern Ontario retirement home looking to improve the choices for, and attendance at, physical activities provided for residents. A community capacity building (CCB) approach using an asset-based, partnership methodology was utilized to create internal and external asset maps. These maps were used to inform potential partnerships within the community. Partnerships were recommended with a university, college, and two high schools, whose staff and students could help to implement new physical activities. Walking and gardening clubs were presented as examples that …

Impact Of Adiposity On Postural Control At The Onset Of Sitting, Danae M. Dinkel, Anastasia Kyvelidou, Ben Senderling, Kailey Snyder, Jung-Min Lee

Research Presentations

Little research has examined the impact of infant adiposity on the quality of gross motor behavior, especially in sitting through measuring postural control. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the impact of adiposity as measured by skinfold thickness (SFT) on postural control at the onset of sitting in typically developing infants. Nineteen infants (n=8 high SFT, n=11 lower SFT) participated in a pilot study examining the relationship between infant physical activity and postural control. High SFT was classified as having a subscapular and triceps measurement in the 85th percentile or above according to the WHO age and …

Impact Of Adiposity On Physical Activity Levels Of Young Infants, Kailey Snyder, Danae M. Dinkel, Jung-Min Lee, Anastasia Kyvelidou

Research Presentations

Studies suggest that infant adiposity may delay the development of motor skills such as sitting.1-3 However, the role of physical activity (PA) in the development of motor skills during the first year of life has been understudied and little is known about the amount of PA needed for normal growth and development in infants.4,5

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of adiposity as measured by subscapular skinfold thickness (SFT) on PA of typically developing infants at three months of age (visit 1), onset of sitting (visit 2) (M=5 months, 8 days), and one month post …

Perceptions Of Infant Physical Activity And Weight: A Parents Perspective, Danae M. Dinkel, Anastasia Kyvelidou, Jung-Min Lee, Kailey Snyder

Research Presentations

Background: Approximately 10% of infants and toddlers in the U.S. are already overweight. One modifiable factor that may impact weight is physical activity (PA). Historically, society has thought that infants (0-1 year of age) are “active enough” and not in need of efforts to promote PA to expend energy. However, increases in technology have led to less PA in children of all ages. There is a vital need to improve knowledge about factors that may impact the promotion of PA to infants. Since parents are the primary caregivers for infants, their beliefs about weight and PA may influence the amount …

Influence And Support For Childhood Cancer Survivor’S Participation In Physical Activity, Ava Coughlin

Research Presentations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore childhood cancer survivor’s social support for physical activity (PA) during and after cancer treatment as well as the type of support they desired.

Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with childhood cancer survivors (n=7). Data were analyzed through the process of immersion/crystallization.

Results: All survivors noted a decrease in PA during treatment. All survivors expressed a desire to return back to “normal” PA levels after treatment. Survivors reported they received general support from parents, physicians, and peers at cancer oncology camps. Most survivors expressed a desire to develop support networks with …

Alumni Collegiate Student-Athletes’ Wellness After Sport, Shane Warehime, Danae M. Dinkel, Abby Bjornson, Ashley J. Blount

Research Presentations

College student-athletes (may be more likely to experience difficulty transitioning from college than non-athletes, which could lead to decreased levels of overall wellness.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the wellness of alumni SA who recently transitioned from college.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews with former SA (n=12) were administered at a university in the Midwest. Interview questions were based on the Indivisible Self Model’s five factors of wellness (coping, social, physical, creative, and essential). Data were analyzed using the process of immersion/crystallization.

Results: Results indicate that subjects generally experienced negative feelings at the end of their athletic career, …

Do Perceptions Of Classroom Physical Activity Breaks Vary By Size Of School District?, Tyler Patterson, Kailey Snyder, Danae M. Dinkel, Connie Schaffer, Jung-Min Lee

Research Presentations

Background: Classroom physical activity (PA) breaks offers a way for schools to increase children's PA, improve time on-task, and improve academic scores. Professional development delivery models, technology infrastructure, and opportunities for collaboration are influenced by school district size. These factors may impact teachers' perceptions of instructional issues, including PA. However, little is known on how the size of school districts may impact teachers' perceptions of classroom PA. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore if teachers' perceptions of classroom PA vary based on district size. Method: Sixty teachers from five school districts (1 large public, 3 medium …

School Design To Promote Physical Activity, Jeri Brittin

Theses & Dissertations

Increasing children’s physical activity (PA) at school is a national focus to address childhood obesity. Research has demonstrated associations between school built environments and students’ PA, but has lacked a comprehensive synthesis of evidence. Chapter 1 presents new evidence-, theory-, and practice-informed school design guidelines, including evidence substantiality ratings, to promote PA in school communities. These guidelines delineate strategies for school designers, planners, and educators to create K-12 school environments conducive to PA. They also engage public health scientists in needed transdisciplinary perspectives.

There have been few longitudinal studies to verify causal relationships between the school built environment and PA. …

Utilization Of Classroom Physical Activity Breaks, Danae M. Dinkel, Jung-Min Lee, Caitlin Golden, Connie Schaffer

Research Presentations

Historically within schools, physical education and recess periods have been utilized as the primary times for children to obtain some portion of physical activity (PA) recommendations during the school day. Due to academic pressure, opportunities for physical education and recess periods have been reduced. Fewer than 5% of schools require daily physical education and fewer than 12% require daily recess. Additional PA opportunities are needed throughout school day.

PURPOSE: The overall purpose of this study was to examine teachers’ utilization of classroom PA breaks.

METHODS: 332 Elementary school teachers from five school districts in a Midwest city were …

Perceptions Of Classroom Physical Activity, Kailey Snyder, Danae M. Dinkel, Connie Schaefer, Jung-Min Lee

Research Presentations

Background: Few children meet the physical activity (PA) recommendations. One new and innovative ways school have tried to improve this is through classroom PA. Studies have found that incorporating opportunities for classroom PA can not only increase PA but also increase children’s time on-task as well as academic scores. However little is known about teachers’ perceptions of.classroom PA Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine teacher’s perceptions regarding classroom PA. Methods: Four school districts in a metropolitan Midwest City were recruited to participate. Twelve teachers from each district took part in a semi-structured interview over the …

Oceano Community Health Plan, Eugene Phillip Brennan

Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

Oceano Community Health Plan

Phillip Brennan

Recent, mounting research shows that chronic disease, the leading causes of death and primary driver of health care costs, cannot be effectively addressed through education or preventative health alone. A physical environment that promotes health—through access to healthy food, opportunities for physical activity, quality housing, transportation options, and safe schools—is an integral part of making our communities healthier. This research and accompanying Healthy Community Plans will serve as a way for the County to begin looking in-depth at the ways the built environment (our streets, parks, and neighborhoods) contribute or detract from the …

Active Video Gaming Compared To Unstructured, Outdoor Play In Children: Measurements Of Estimated Energy Expenditure And Measured Percent Time In Moderate-To-Vigorous Physical Activity, Susan Brittin Macarthur

Masters Theses

It is recommended that children and adolescents participate in > 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day. Despite the current recommendations and positive health benefits, many children and adolescents still do not engage in regular physical activity (PA).

One challenge for assisting children in becoming more active is sedentary screen-based activities (SBAs), such as watching television (TV), using computers, and playing sedentary video games (VGs), as SBAs may compete with time for being physically active in children. One modification to sedentary VGs that may increase PA in children is to alter them so that the VGs actually provide an …

Active Living In The Trucking Sector: Environmental Barriers And Health Promotion Strategies, Yorghos Apostolopoulos, Mona Shattell, Sevil Sönmez, Robert Strack, Lauren Haldman, Victoria Jones

Mona Shattell

Background: As one of the most underserved segments of the U.S. labor force, truck drivers have been associated with a series of morbid conditions intimately linked to their occupational milieux, their mostly unhealthful nutritional intake and sedentary lifestyles, and their resulting excess weight-gain. Methods: This paper reports data from a baseline assessment of 25 trucking work settings located around interstate highways I-40 and I-85 in North Carolina. It examines how the environmental attributes of these work settings influence the physical and recreational activity behaviors of truckers, compares findings with those from other occupational environments, and brings to the fore a …

Evaluating The Mebactive-Youth As A Measure Of Mental Toughness, Manneh Ghazarians

Masters Theses 1911 - February 2014

The obesity epidemic in youth is increasing, due to the decreasing levels of physical activity within the youth population. One variable that has never been examined as a correlate of physical activity is mental toughness. Mental toughness is a psychological trait characterized by determination, resiliency, and perform optimally regardless of the circumstances. In order to evaluate this trait the MeBActive-Youth was developed. The purpose of this study was to first, evaluate the psychometric properties of the newly developed measure and secondly, to assess the relationship of mental toughness, social support and self-efficacy to physical activity. Participants (N = 106) completed …

Naturally Occurring Changes In Time Spent Watching Television Are Inversely Related To Frequency Of Physical Activity During Early Adolescence, Robert W. Motl, Edward Mcauley, Amanda Birnbaum, Leslie A. Lytle

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

In this longitudinal study, we examined the relationship between changes in time spent watching television and playing video games with frequency of leisure-time physical activity across a 2-year period among adolescent boys and girls (N=4594" role="presentation" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline-block; line-height: normal; font-size: 16.200000762939453px; word-spacing: normal; word-wrap: normal; white-space: nowrap; float: none; direction: ltr; max-width: none; max-height: none; min-width: 0px; min-height: 0px; border: 0px; position: relative;">). Latent growth modelling indicated that a decrease in time spent watching television was associated with an increase in frequency of leisure-time physical activity. That relationship was strong in magnitude …

Self-Management Strategies Mediate Self-Efficacy And Physical Activity, Rod K. Dishman, Robert W. Motl, James F. Sallis, Andrea L. Dunn, Amanda Birnbaum, Greg J. Welk, Ariane L. Bedimo-Rung, Carolyn C. Voorhees, Jared B. Jobe

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

Background

Self-efficacy theory proposes that girls who have confidence in their capability to be physically active will perceive fewer barriers to physical activity or be less influenced by them, be more likely to pursue perceived benefits of being physically active, and be more likely to enjoy physical activity. Self-efficacy is theorized also to influence physical activity through self-management strategies (e.g., thoughts, goals, plans, and acts) that support physical activity, but this idea has not been empirically tested.

Methods

Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the factorial validity of a measure of self-management strategies for physical activity. Next, the construct …

Scale Development For Perceived School Climate For Girls’ Physical Activity, Amanda Birnbaum, Kelly R. Evenson, Robert W. Motl, Rod K. Dishman, Carolyn C. Voorhees, James F. Sallis, John P. Elder, Marsha Dowda

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

Objectives: To test an original scale assessing perceived school climate for girls' physical activity in middle school girls. Methods: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: CFA retained 5 of 14 original items. A model with 2 correlated factors, perceptions about teachers' and boys' behaviors, respectively, fit the data well in both sixth and eighth-graders. SEM detected a positive, significant direct association of the teacher factor, but not the boy factor, with girls' self-reported physical activity. Conclusions: School climate for girls' physical activity is a measurable construct, and preliminary evidence suggests a relationship with physical activity.

Scale Development For Perceived School Climate For Girls’ Physical Activity, Amanda Birnbaum, Kelly R. Evenson, Robert W. Motl, Rod K. Dishman, Carolyn C. Voorhees, James F. Sallis, John P. Elder, Marsha Dowda

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

Objectives: To test an original scale assessing perceived school climate for girls' physical activity in middle school girls. Methods: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: CFA retained 5 of 14 original items. A model with 2 correlated factors, perceptions about teachers' and boys' behaviors, respectively, fit the data well in both sixth and eighth-graders. SEM detected a positive, significant direct association of the teacher factor, but not the boy factor, with girls' self-reported physical activity. Conclusions:School climate for girls' physical activity is a measurable construct, and preliminary evidence suggests a relationship with physical activity.

The Role Of Peer Social Network Factors And Physical Activity In Adolescent Girls, Carolyn C. Voorhees, David Murray, Greg Welk, Amanda Birnbaum, Kurt M. Ribisi, Carolyn C. Johnson, Karin Allor Pfeiffer, Brit Saksvig, Jared B. Jobe

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

Objective: To study the relationship between peer-related physical activity (PA) social networks and the PA of adolescent girls.

Methods: Cross-sectional, convenience sample of adolescent girls. Mixed-model linear regression analyses to identify significant correlates of self-reported PA while accounting for correlation of girls in the same school.

Results: Younger girls were more active than older girls. Most activity-related peer social network items were related to PA levels. More PA with friends was significantly related to self-reported PA in multivariate analyses.

Conclusions: Frequency of PA with friends was an important correlate of PA among the peer network variables …

Using Media Messaging To Promote Healthful Eating And Physical Activity Among Urban Youth, B.J. Carter, Amanda Birnbaum, Lisa Hark, Brian Vickery, Charles Potter, Michael P. Osborne

Department of Public Health Scholarship and Creative Works

National trends show consistent increases, as well as racial and ethnic dis- parities, in the prevalence of overweight children and adolescents. Such disparity is evident regarding behaviors such as a poor diet and a lack of physical activity and in the prevalence and outcomes of associated health problems. It has been suggested that grounding interventions in cultural traditions and norms are critical for preventing obesity among ethnic and racial minority youth; however, with some notable exceptions, few community interventions have used this approach. Moreover, urban minority youth may face additional barriers to healthful eating and physical activity behaviors, such as …