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A Qualitative Description Of Graduate Students’ Perceived Decline In Physical Activity From Undergraduate School, Kristin Jett, Bryce T. Daniels, Max Brigance, Jessica L. Passarelli, Erin Howie Hickey

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

Many university students, especially graduate students, are experiencing poor physical and psychological health. Thus, universities are initiating programs like Exercise is Medicine-On Campus (EIM-OC) to promote positive physical activity behavior to improve physical and mental health for primarily undergraduate university students. However, the influences on physical activity when transitioning from an undergraduate to a graduate student are unknown. To explore perceptions of if and how the physical activity levels of graduate students changed from their time as undergraduate students while considering environmental and lifestyle factors. METHODS: Using a qualitative, phenomenological research design, a convenience sample of current graduate students enrolled …

Socioeconomic Status And Health Disparities Drive Differences In Accelerometer-Derived Physical Activity In Fatty Liver Disease And Significant Fibrosis, Lucia Tabacu, Sajag Swami, Mark Ledbetter, Mohamad S. Siddiqui, Ekaterina Smirnova

Mathematics & Statistics Faculty Publications

Background and aims

The cornerstone of clinical management of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity (PA) aimed at improving cardiometabolic risk. To inform NAFLD prevention and treatment guidelines we aimed to: (i) quantify the role of PA on lowering the risk for NAFLD and fibrosis; (ii) characterize NAFLD and fibrosis association with PA in the context of socioeconomic environment.

Methods

A sample of 2648 participants from the NHANES 2003–2006 was selected to develop survey weighted multivariable logistic regression models for predicting NAFLD and significant fibrosis, diagnosed non-invasively via fatty liver index …

Health Behaviour Profiles In Young Australian Adults In Relation To Physical And Mental Health: The Raine Study, Cecilie Thøgersen-Ntoumani, Daniel F. Gucciardi, Joanne A. Mcveigh, Therese A. O'Sullivan, Manon Dontje, Emmanuel Stamatakis, Peter R. Eastwood, Leon Straker

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Issues Addressed: We aimed to identify latent health behaviour profiles of young adults and examine their associations with physical and mental health outcomes. We also characterised the profiles by socio-demographic characteristics. Methods: Data were collected between 2012 and 2014. Participants (N = 476) were young adults (M age [SD] = 22.1 [.57] years) from Generation 2 of the Raine Study longitudinal cohort. Health behaviours were measured via ActiGraph GT3X waist monitors (physical activity, sedentary behaviour) and questionnaires (diet quality, alcohol, smoking and sleep). Physical and mental health were measured using clinical health assessments, blood biomarkers, and questionnaires. Latent Profile Analysis …

Age, Body Mass Index, Physical Activity And Quality Of Life In Turkish Pregnant Woman With And Without A Diagnosis Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Comparative Study, Yaren Nur Tayyar, Hatice Kahyaoglu Sut

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to examine and compare the age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity (PA), and quality of life (QOL) of third-trimester Turkish pregnant women with and without a diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods: A comparative study was conducted in the obstetrics clinic of a university hospital in Turkey, and it included 210 women (GDM women = 105 and non-GDM women = 105). Personal Information Form, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ), and World Health Organization Quality of Life-Short Form-Turkish (WHOQOL-Bref-TR) were used.

Results: The age and BMI of GDM women were higher …

Effects Of Attending To A 12-Week Structured Physical Activity Program On Fitness And Self-Perception Levels Of Obese Primary Schoolchildren, Yetkin Utku Kamuk, Spiridon Kamtsios

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Childhood obesity is a major health problem especially for schoolchildren both physically and mentally. The study was conducted to assess the effects of the structured physical activity (PA) program on the physical fitness (PF) and self-perception levels of obese schoolchildren. Materials and Methods: A total of 67 students aged 9-11 were recruited and the experimental group (n = 27) was attended to exercises once per week for 60 mins for 12 weeks. Self-perception Scale for Children and PF tests were applied as pre- and post-tests. Results: 12-week PA sessions improved obese schoolchildren’s self-perception levels in general self-worth, athletic …

Association Of The G>A (Rs6265) Polymorphism In The Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene (Bdnf) With Post-Training Changes In Caucasian Women, Katarzyna Świtała, Agata Leońska-Duniec, Monika Michałowska-Sawczyn, Andrzej Brodkiewicz, Kinga Łosińska, Anna Grzywacz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rs6265 (G196A; Val66Met) polymorphism has been associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, with contradictory results involving either A or G as the risk allele. The main aim of this study was to examine whether the BDNF rs6265 polymorphism would influence the efficiency of a training program. An additional aim was to determine whether selected polymorphism can be used as a genetic marker for obesity-related parameters. We studied the genotype distribution in a group of 160 Caucasian females in whom body mass and composition parameters, lipid profile, and glucose levels were measured before …

Lifestyle Behaviors Before And After Diagnosis Of Type 2 Diabetes: Findings From The Nurses’ Health Studies, Amelia E. Roebuck

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Short- and long-term changes in diet or physical activity in relation to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and factors associated with behavior change with adequate inclusion of relevant confounding and effect-modifying variables have been minimally explored. The objective of this research was to examine changes in diet and physical activity following a diagnosis of T2DM and identify sociodemographic, medical, psychosocial, and lifestyle factors associated with changes in dietary or physical activity behaviors. This dissertation utilized two prospective cohorts of U.S. female nurses participating in the Nurses’ Health Study (1976-2016) and Nurses’ Health Study II (1989-2017). Linear mixed effects modeling was …

The Association Between Cardiovascular Health And Cognition In Adults With Down Syndrome., Lauren Frank, Brian Helsel, Danica Dodd, Amy E. Bodde, Jessica C. Danon, Joseph R. Sherman, Daniel Forsha, Amanda Szabo-Reed, Richard A. Washburn, Joseph E. Donnelly, Lauren T. Ptomey

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

INTRODUCTION: Evidence in the general population suggests that predictors of cardiovascular health such as moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), cardiorespiratory fitness, and systolic blood pressure are associated with cognitive function. Studies supporting these associations in adults with Down syndrome (DS) are limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between systolic blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness, and MVPA on cognition in adults with DS.

METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis using baseline data from a trial in adults with DS. Participants attended a laboratory visit where resting blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO₂ Peak), and cognitive function …

Protocol To Evaluate The Effectiveness And Cost-Effectiveness Of An Environmental Nutrition And Physical Activity Intervention In Nurseries (Nutrition And Physical Activity Self Assessment For Child Care - Nap Sacc Uk): A Multicentre Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial, Ruth Kipping, Miranda Pallan, Kim Hannam, Kate Willis, Alex Dobell, Chris Metcalfe, Russell Jago, Laura Johnson, Rebecca Langford, Corby K. Martin, William Hollingworth, Madeleine Cochrane, James White, Pete Blair, Zoi Toumpakari, Jodi Taylor, Dianne Ward, Laurence Moore, Tom Reid, Megan Pardoe, Liping Wen, Marie Murphy, Anne Martin, Stephanie Chambers, Sharon Anne Simpson

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Background: One in seven UK children have obesity when starting school, with higher prevalence associated with deprivation. Most pre-school children do not meet UK recommendations for physical activity and nutrition. Formal childcare settings provide opportunities to deliver interventions to improve nutritional quality and physical activity to the majority of 3–4-year-olds. The nutrition and physical activity self-assessment for childcare (NAP SACC) intervention has demonstrated effectiveness in the USA with high acceptability in the UK. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the NAP SACC UK intervention to increase physical activity, reduce sedentary time and improve nutritional intake. Methods: …

Adherence To Recess Guidelines In The United States Using Nationally Representative Data: Implications For Future Surveillance Efforts, Kimberly A. Clevenger, Genevieve F. Dunton, Peter T. Katzmarzyk, Karin A. Pfeiffer, David Berrigan

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: National adherence to the recess recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not been comprehensively studied in the United States. METHODS: Data from 6 nationally representative data sets over the last decade (Classification of Laws Associated with School Students, Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, National Youth Fitness Survey, School Health Policies and Practices Survey, and the School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study) provided estimates for adherence to CDC recess guidelines. RESULTS: While approximately 65-80% of elementary school-children receive the recommended 20+ minutes of daily recess according to parent-, principal-, and …

Association Between Physical Activity And Reduced Mortality In Inoperable Lung Cancer, Vinicius Cavalheri, Isis Grigoletto, Joanne Mcveigh, David Manners, Terry Boyle, Carolyn J. Peddle-Mcintyre, Rajesh Thomas, Jeanie Leong, Samantha Bowyer, Kirsten Mooney, Leon Straker, Daniel A. Galvão

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

We examined device-measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour at the time of diagnosis in people with inoperable lung cancer and investigated their associations with 12-month mortality. The people with inoperable lung cancer wore an accelerometer for seven days prior to the treatment commencement. The analysed PA/sedentary behaviour variables included light-intensity PA, moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA), step count, the total time spent sedentary, and the usual sedentary bout duration. The data on the disease stage, clinical covariates and 12-month mortality were extracted from medical records. Cox regression models were used to estimate the association between the PA measures and 12-month mortality, …

Comment On Marsigliante Et Al Effects On Children's Physical And Mental Well-Being Of A Physical-Activity-Based School Intervention Program: A Randomized Study, Raphiel Murden, Jon Agley, Lilian Golzarri-Arroyo, Armando Peña, Danny Valdez, Abu Bakkar Siddique, Moonseong Heo, David B Allison

Children’s Nutrition Research Center Staff Publications

We conducted a critical review of the article “Effects on Children’s Physical and Mental Well-Being of a Physical-Activity-Based School Intervention Program: A Randomized Study”, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2023 as part of the Special Issue “Psychomotricity and Physical Education in School Health”. We identified multiple mistakes in the statistical analyses applied. First, the authors claim to have found a statistically significant association between the proposed intervention and change in body composition (body mass index (BMI) percentiles, relative fat mass, and BMI classes) by way of exhibiting differences in nominal significance between the …

Evaluating Physical Activity Resources To Support Health Equity In Arizona, Kathryn M. Orzech, Theresa A. Legros, Laurel Jacobs, Gregory Goodman, Ryan Lang

Journal of Extension

We evaluated physical activity (PA) resources in lower-income Arizona communities to support the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) in pursuing equitable policy, systems, and environment (PSE) interventions. In 2017, 71 PA resources across 10 counties (65% parks) were rated using the Physical Activity Resource Assessment (PARA) tool. Accessibility was high, but condition scores and attractiveness varied across resources, with no rural/urban differences. Results suggest that Extension SNAP-Ed staff can be agents of change by assessing resource condition where physical activity health inequities may exist and then convening partners to begin to address needed changes.

Multi-Domain Interventions For Dementia Prevention–A Systematic Review, C. B. Castro, L. M. Costa, C. Max B. Dias, J. Chen, H. Hillebrandt, Samantha L. Gardener, B. M. Brown, R. L. Loo, M. L. Garg, Stephanie R. Rainey-Smith, Ralph N. Martins, Hamid R. Sohrabi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: There is a growing incidence of cognitive decline and dementia associated with the ageing population. Lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and cognitive activities may individually or collectively be undertaken to increase one’s odds of preventing cognitive decline and future dementia. This study will examine whether clinical trials using multidomain lifestyle intervention can significantly decrease the risk of cognitive decline and therefore dementia. Design, Setting and Participants: This systematic literature review of multidomain lifestyle interventions for the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia followed the PRISMA guidelines. Clinical trials involving multidomain intervention (i.e., diet and physical activity, or …

Exploring The Role Of Mental Toughness In Bone Mineral Content: A Preliminary Study, Marissa Zeno, Tomas Chapman-Lopez, Ricardo Torres, Jordan Ledington, Madelin R. Siedler, Christian Rodriguez, Jeff S. Forsse, Grant M. Tinsley, Andreas Stamatis

International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings

Bone mineral content (BMC), a measure of the mineral content within a person’s bones, is an important parameter in the assessment of bone health. Changes in BMC can be indicative of bone-related conditions. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is one of the most widely used and accurate methods for measuring BMC. Sex, age, race, and BMI are known to influence BMC. Physical activity is positively related to BMC levels. Mental toughness (MT) is conceptualized as a state-like psychological resource conducive to goal-oriented pursuits and is positively linked to physical activity outcomes. The relationship between MT and BMC has not been explored. …

A Primary Qualitative Study Exploring Adult Bame Individuals' Experiences Regarding Physical Activity From The North-East Of England During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Johnson Mbabazi, Fiona Macgregor, Jeff Breckon, Barry Tolchard, Edward Kunonga, Dorothy Irene Nalweyiso, Abiola Fashina, Lawrence Achilles Nnyanzi

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Researchers have found that people from BAME communities have worse health outcomes from many health interventions and face health disparities. BAME individuals experience health inequities and lower health intervention results. The experiences of adult Teesside-based BAME individuals' regarding physical activity (PA) during the COVID-19 pandemic were mapped onto the capability, opportunity, and motivation model of behaviour (COM-B). Twelve adult BAME participants were interviewed using semi-structured interviews that lasted 40 to 60 minutes and captured participant perceptions of how their PA and perceptions related to living a healthy PA lifestyle during the pandemic between April and August 2022 via Microsoft Teams. …

See Me, Hear Me, Know Me: Perspectives On Diet And Physical Activity Influences Among Teens Living In Rural Texas Communities, Debbe Thompson, Julie Miranda, Chishinga Callender, Jayna M Dave, Godlove Appiah, Salma M A Musaad

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Teens in rural communities are at greater risk of obesity than teens in urban areas. Diet and physical activity influence obesity risk. Understanding their perspectives is an important step in intervention design. This qualitative investigation explored teen perspectives on how living in a rural community influenced their diet and physical activity choices. Forty parent-teen pairs were recruited. Data collection included surveys and telephone interviews. This paper reports teen perspectives identified in the first interview. Thematic analysis was used to code and analyze the data. Findings revealed that the primary factor driving teens' diet and physical activity behaviors was the teens …

Editorial: Weight-Related Behaviors And Outcomes In Children And Youth With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Aviva Must, Carol Curtin, April Bowling, Sarabeth Broder-Fingert, Linda G. Bandini

Health Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Intensity Of Physical Activity Improves Cognitive Performance Among Aging Americans, Imtiaz Masfique Dowllah, Juan Carlos Lopez-Alvarenga, Gladys E. Maestre, Ulku S. Karabulut, Murat Karabulut

Research Symposium

Background: Currently there is no pharmacological cure for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, physical activity (PA) has emerged as a promising approach. The optimal intensity of PA to improve cognitive health remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate associations between different durations and intensities of PA on performance across cognitive domains (executive function, processing speed, and memory) among aging Americans.

Methods: 2377 adults aged ≥ 60 years from the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014, were included. Linear regression in hierarchical blocks and the size of effect (η2) were analyzed with R software.

Results: The mean age …

Impact Of Physical Inactivity On Glucose Metabolism And Skeletal Muscle Secretions In Healthy Trained Rats And Potential Counteracting Effects Of Exercise And Protocatechuic Acid, Hira Shakoor

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Modern societies have significantly transformed people's lifestyles, leading to a substantial increase in physical inactivity, which concerns 23% of adults and 81% of adolescents worldwide. Physical inactivity is a major factor contributing to the emergence of chronic diseases, most prominently Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), which exhibits a high prevalence in many countries. T2D is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to cells’ responsiveness to insulin. The shift towards inactivity likely occurred more rapidly than the genome's capacity to adapt, resulting in the metabolic dysfunctions underlying the development of T2D. Skeletal muscle is crucial in the onset of these metabolic …

Can School-Based Physical Activity Interventions Be Effective Without A Facilitator? A Step-Back Approach To School-Based Intervention Delivery, Yvonne Larrissa O’Byrne, Joan Dineen, Tara Coppinger

Publications

Irish children’s physical activity (PA) levels are below national guidelines. Schools are an ideal setting to promote PA but it remains challenging. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a step-back approach to Project Spraoi (PS); a facilitator (Energizer) led school-based PA intervention. Each Energizer in year one had 2 contact days per week with all classes (n = 11). A ‘step-back’ progression, with 50% less Energizer contact time, in year two and no Energizer contact in year three, was adopted. Objectively measured PA and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) were measured annually with the same children (n = 85). Stakeholders …

Gamerfit-Asd Beta Test: Adapting An Evidence-Based Exergaming And Telehealth Coaching Intervention For Autistic Youth, Daniel P. Hatfield, Aviva Must, Winston Kennedy, Amanda E. Staiano, James Slavet, Rachael A. Sabelli, Carol Curtin, Linda G. Bandini, Phillip Nauta, Christopher Stuetzle, April Bowling

Computer and Data Science Faculty Publications

Background: Health disparities faced by autistic youth are exacerbated by inadequate physical activity (PA) and sleep, whereas healthy PA and sleep may improve mood and function. Adaptive Game Squad (AGS) is an evidence-based telehealth coaching and exergaming intervention to improve PA and sleep for adolescents with diverse neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions. This study aimed to adapt AGS for autistic youth ages 10–15 years; beta-test the modified intervention for feasibility, accessibility, and engagement; and further refine the intervention for a larger planned demonstration pilot.

Methods: Interdisciplinary experts adapted AGS to create GamerFit-ASD, a 12-week intervention that included a progressive exergame schedule, …

Convenience Over Nutrition For Recreation League Youth Sport Team Snack And Mealtime Choices, Morgan Ashley, Tony Weaver, Andrew Ramsey, Lauren Haldeman

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Fifty-six percent of school-aged children participate in team sports, yet there is limited evidence on how participation in youth sports impacts the dietary behaviors of participants and their families. Our team surveyed parents and caregivers of children participating in recreation league youth sports (n = 178) to assess the foods and beverages offered as team snacks and factors that influence team snack choices. Juice was the most popular beverage, and crackers were the most popular snack reported by parents. Convenience, followed by cost and child preference, were the most frequently reported factors influencing team snack choices. Survey items also included …

Impact Of Physical Inactivity On Glucose Metabolism And Skeletal Muscle Secretions In Healthy Trained Rats And Potential Counteracting Effect Of Exercise And Protocatechuic Acid, Hira Shakoor

Dissertations

Modern societies have significantly transformed people's lifestyles, leading to a substantial increase in physical inactivity, which concerns 23% of adults and 81% of adolescents worldwide. Physical inactivity is a major factor contributing to the emergence of chronic diseases, most prominently Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), which exhibits a high prevalence in many countries. T2D is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to cells’ responsiveness to insulin. The shift towards inactivity likely occurred more rapidly than the genome's capacity to adapt, resulting in the metabolic dysfunctions underlying the development of T2D. Skeletal muscle is crucial in the onset of these metabolic …

Characterizing Longitudinal Change In Accelerometry-Based Moderate-To-Vigorous Physical Activity In The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study Of Latinos And The Framingham Heart Study., Yasmin Mossavar-Rahmani, Juan Lin, Stephanie Pan, Rebecca J. Song, Xiaonan Xue, Nicole L. Spartano, Vanessa Xanthakis, Daniela Sotres-Alvarez, David X. Marquez, Martha Daviglus, Jordan A. Carlson, Humberto Parada, Kelly R. Evenson, Ana C. Talavera, Marc Gellman, Krista M. Perreira, Linda C. Gallo, Ramachandran S. Vasan, Robert C. Kaplan

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Physical activity promotes health and is particularly important during middle and older age for decreasing morbidity and mortality. We assessed the correlates of changes over time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in Hispanic/Latino adults from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL: mean [SD] age 49.2 y [11.5]) and compared them to a cohort of primarily White adults from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS: mean [SD] 46.9 y [9.2]).

METHODS: Between 2008 and 2019, we assessed accelerometry-based MVPA at two time points with an average follow-up of: 7.6 y, SD 1.3 for HCHS/SOL, and 7.8 y, SD 0.7 …

Increasing Exercise In Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review Of Instructional Strategies, Jacob Moak

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

It has been found that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are 1.6 times more likely to be obese compared to neurotypically developing children. Individuals with ASD often struggle with motor skills and experience sensory processing difficulties, which can make it difficult to participate in regular physical activity. Because of this, it is crucial to find exercise methods that are enjoyable, practical and that are tailored to the specific needs of individuals with ASD in order to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle. The current systematic review investigated the research literature on interventions used to teach exercise to individuals with …

Effectiveness Of Intervention Studies Based On Diet And/Or Physical Activity In Treatment, Prevention, And Management Of Diabetes Among South Asians: A Systematic Review, Ishaan Arora

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to describe diet and/or physical activity-based interventions and their control in cardiometabolic risk factors of diabetes for the South Asian (SA) population. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Seventeen randomized control trials meeting the inclusion criteria were included for analysis. Interventions with type-2 diabetic SA showed significant improvements in HbA1c% (4/5 studies), fasting blood glucose (3/4 studies), and postprandial glucose (2/2 studies). Interventions with at-risk/prediabetic and non-diabetic SA showed a modest change in overall outcomes, with significant change reported for post-prandial insulin (3/4 studies), BMI and weight (2/4 studies), …

An Sms Text Message-Based Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program For Hispanic Adolescents With Obesity: Qualitative Co-Design Process, Erica Soltero, Callie Lopez, Sandra Mihail, Ayleen Hernandez, Salma M Musaad, Teresia M O'Connor, Debbe Thompson

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: SMS text message-based interventions are a promising approach for reaching and engaging high-risk youths, such as Hispanic adolescents with obesity, in health promotion and disease prevention opportunities. This is particularly relevant, given that SMS text messaging is widely accessible and available and that adolescents are frequent texters. Including youths in the development of SMS text message content can lead to more acceptable and relevant messaging; however, few studies include this group as cocollaborators.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to use a co-design process to inform the development of SMS text messages that promote healthy physical activity (PA) and sleep behaviors …

An Exploration Of Saudi Women’S Experiences And Perceptions Towards Participation In Physical Activity And Sports In The United States, Ahmed H. Sumayli

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A significant proportion of Saudi women are currently living in different Western countries, including the United States of America. Physical activity and sports participation play a significant role in maintaining health and well-being for all individuals. Understanding their physical activity experiences and perceptions regarding participation in sports activity during their stay in the United States is important. This study aimed to understand if the length of residence in the United States and/or acculturation to the U.S. environment could significantly change Saudi women's patterns, attitudes, and behaviors towards sports and fitness activities. This qualitative study was carried out to explore and …

Healthy Eating And Physical Activity: Analysing Soweto’S Young Adults’ Perspectives With An Intersectionality Lens, Gudani Mukoma, Edna Bosire, Sonja Klingberg, Shane A. Norris

Brain and Mind Institute

Background and objectives: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are taking a toll on Africa’s youth at younger ages than in other regions. These are attributed to risk factors that usually advance in adolescence, such as unhealthy diets and reduced physical activity. Young adults in South Africa, particularly women, tend to be sedentary, consume energy-dense diets low in micronutrients, and are more likely to develop NCDs much earlier in life than those in high-income countries. With an intersectionality perspective, this study explored young adults’ barriers and solutions to addressing these risk factors in Soweto.

Setting: Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, is one …