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Woldamanuel Y, Bergman P, von Rosen P, Johansson UB, Hagströmer M, Rossen J. Association between Weather and Self-Monitored Steps in Individuals with Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes in Sweden over Two Years. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:379. [PMID: 38673292 PMCID: PMC11050403 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have identified key factors affecting the rates of engagement in physical activity in older adults with chronic disease. Environmental conditions, such as weather variations, can present challenges for individuals with chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes when engaging in physical activity. However, few studies have investigated the influence of weather on daily steps in people with chronic diseases, especially those with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the association between weather variations and daily self-monitored step counts over two years among individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in Sweden. METHODS The study is a secondary analysis using data from the Sophia Step Study, aimed at promoting physical activity among people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, which recruited participants from two urban primary care centers in Stockholm and one rural primary care center in southern Sweden over eight rounds. This study measured physical activity using step counters (Yamax Digiwalker SW200) and collected self-reported daily steps. Environmental factors such as daily average temperature, precipitation, and hours of sunshine were obtained from the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute. A robust linear mixed-effects model was applied as the analysis method. RESULTS There was no association found between weather variations and the number of steps taken on a daily basis. The analysis indicated that only 10% of the variation in daily steps could be explained by the average temperature, precipitation, and sunshine hours after controlling for age, gender, and BMI. Conversely, individual factors explained approximately 38% of the variation in the observations. CONCLUSION This study revealed that there was no association between weather conditions and the number of daily steps reported by individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes taking part in a physical activity intervention over two years. Despite the weather conditions, women and younger people reported more steps than their male and older counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohannes Woldamanuel
- Department of Health Promoting Science, Sophiahemmet University, 114 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (U.-B.J.); (M.H.); (J.R.)
| | - Patrick Bergman
- Department of Medicine and Optometry, eHealth Institute, Linnaeus University, 391 82 Kalmar, Sweden;
| | - Philip von Rosen
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Unn-Britt Johansson
- Department of Health Promoting Science, Sophiahemmet University, 114 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (U.-B.J.); (M.H.); (J.R.)
| | - Maria Hagströmer
- Department of Health Promoting Science, Sophiahemmet University, 114 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (U.-B.J.); (M.H.); (J.R.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Academic Primary Care Center, Region Stockholm, 113 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jenny Rossen
- Department of Health Promoting Science, Sophiahemmet University, 114 86 Stockholm, Sweden; (U.-B.J.); (M.H.); (J.R.)
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Jong M, Lown EA, Schats W, Mills ML, Otto HR, Gabrielsen LE, Jong MC. A scoping review to map the concept, content, and outcome of wilderness programs for childhood cancer survivors. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0243908. [PMID: 33406103 PMCID: PMC7787391 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systematic mapping of the concept, content, and outcome of wilderness programs for childhood cancer survivors. DESIGN Scoping review. SEARCH STRATEGY Searches were performed in 13 databases and the grey literature. Included studies describe participation of childhood cancer survivors in wilderness programs where the role of nature had a contextual and therapeutic premise. At least two authors independently performed screening, data extraction and analysis. RESULTS Database searches yielded 1848 articles, of which 15 met the inclusion criteria. The majority of programs (73%) employed adventure therapy. Five activity categories were identified as components of wilderness programs: challenge/risk, free time/leisure, experiential learning, physical activity and psychotherapeutic activities. A majority of the participating childhood cancer survivors were female, white, aged 8-40 years, with a wide range of cancer diagnoses. Reported outcomes included increased social involvement, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-efficacy, social support, and physical activity. Key gaps identified included the absence of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), lack of studies on long-term effects, lack of information on the multicultural aspects of programs, and missing information on engagement in nature activities after the program ended. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review guides childhood cancer survivors, their families, practitioners, clinicians and researchers in the development and optimization of wilderness programs for childhood cancer survivors. In addition, it informs the utilization of these programs, and identifies gaps in the evidence base of wilderness programs. It is recommended that future study reporting on wilderness programs include more detail and explicitly address the role of nature in the program. Performing RCTs on wilderness programs is challenging, as they occur in real-life contexts in which participants cannot be blinded. Creative solutions in the design of pragmatic trials and mixed method studies are thus needed for further investigation of the effectiveness and safety of wilderness programs in childhood cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Jong
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - E. Anne Lown
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Winnie Schats
- Scientific Information Service, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michelle L. Mills
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Heather R. Otto
- See you at the Summit, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Leiv E. Gabrielsen
- Department for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Sørlandet Hospital Health Enterprise, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Miek C. Jong
- Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), The Arctic University of Norway (UiT), Tromsø, Norway
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Mathpati MM, Albert S, Porter JDH. Ayurveda and medicalisation today: The loss of important knowledge and practice in health? J Ayurveda Integr Med 2018; 11:89-94. [PMID: 30459080 PMCID: PMC7125381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ayurveda translates as 'life science'. Its knowledge is not limited to medicine, cure or therapy and is for laypersons, households, communities, as well as for physicians. Throughout its evolutionary history, Ayurveda and Local Health Traditions have reciprocally influenced each other. In modern times, the influence of biomedicine on Ayurveda is leading to its medicalisation. Over the past century, the introduction and perspective of biomedicine into India has made the human being an object for positive knowledge, a being who can be understood with scientific reason and can be governed and controlled through medical knowledge. This paper explores how this shift towards medicalisation is affecting the knowledge, teaching, and practice of Ayurveda. It examines the impact and contribution of processes like standardisation, professionalisation, bio-medicalisation and pharmaceuticalisation on Ayurveda education, knowledge, practice and policies. To maintain health and wellbeing Ayurveda's ancient knowledge and practice needs to be applied at individual, community and health care provider levels and not be limited to the medical system. The current over medicalisation of society is a potential threat to human health and well-being. Ayurveda and LHT knowledge can provide essential teachings and practices to counter-balance this current trend through encouraging a population's self-reliance in its health.
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Richardson M, Maspero M, Golightly D, Sheffield D, Staples V, Lumber R. Nature: a new paradigm for well-being and ergonomics. ERGONOMICS 2017; 60:292-305. [PMID: 26910099 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2016.1157213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Nature is presented as a new paradigm for ergonomics. As a discipline concerned with well-being, the importance of natural environments for wellness should be part of ergonomics knowledge and practice. This position is supported by providing a concise summary of the evidence of the value of the natural environment to well-being. Further, an emerging body of research has found relationships between well-being and a connection to nature, a concept that reveals the integrative character of human experience which can inform wider practice and epistemology in ergonomics. Practitioners are encouraged to bring nature into the workplace, so that ergonomics keeps pace with the move to nature-based solutions, but also as a necessity in the current ecological and social context. Practitioner Summary: Nature-based solutions are coming to the fore to address societal challenges such as well-being. As ergonomics is concerned with well-being, there is a need for a paradigm shift in the discipline. This position is supported by providing a concise summary of the evidence of the value of the natural environment to well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles Richardson
- a Department of Life Sciences , University of Derby , Derby , UK
| | - Marta Maspero
- a Department of Life Sciences , University of Derby , Derby , UK
| | - David Golightly
- b Faculty of Engineering , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , UK
| | - David Sheffield
- a Department of Life Sciences , University of Derby , Derby , UK
| | - Vicki Staples
- a Department of Life Sciences , University of Derby , Derby , UK
| | - Ryan Lumber
- a Department of Life Sciences , University of Derby , Derby , UK
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Molena-Fernandes C, Bersani-Amado CA, Ferraro ZM, Hintze LJ, Nardo N, Cuman RKN. Effects of exercise and metformin on the prevention of glucose intolerance: a comparative study. Braz J Med Biol Res 2015; 48:1101-8. [PMID: 26421869 PMCID: PMC4661026 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20153904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise training (4 days) and metformin
exposure on acute glucose intolerance after dexamethasone treatment in rats.
Forty-two adult male Wistar rats (8 weeks old) were divided randomly into four
groups: sedentary control (SCT), sedentary dexamethasone-treated (SDX), training
dexamethasone-treated (DPE), and dexamethasone and metformin treated group (DMT).
Glucose tolerance tests and in situ liver perfusion were undertaken
on fasting rats to obtain glucose profiles. The DPE group displayed a significant
decrease in glucose values compared with the SDX group. Average glucose levels in the
DPE group did not differ from those of the DMT group, so we suggest that exercise
training corrects dexamethasone-induced glucose intolerance and improves glucose
profiles in a similar manner to that observed with metformin. These data suggest that
exercise may prevent the development of glucose intolerance induced by dexamethasone
in rats to a similar magnitude to that observed after metformin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Molena-Fernandes
- Colegiado de Educação Física, Universidade Estadual do Paraná, Paranavaí, PR, Brasil
| | - C A Bersani-Amado
- Departamento de Farmácia e Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - Z M Ferraro
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - L J Hintze
- Departamento de Educação Física, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - N Nardo
- Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - R K N Cuman
- Departamento de Farmácia e Farmacologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
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Green space, health and wellbeing: making space for individual agency. Health Place 2014; 30:287-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Ray H, Jakubec SL. Nature-based experiences and health of cancer survivors. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2014; 20:188-92. [PMID: 25160991 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although exposure to, and interaction with, natural environments are recognized as health-promoting, little is understood about the use of nature contact in treatment and rehabilitation for cancer survivors. METHODS This narrative review summarizes the literature exploring the influence of nature-based experiences on survivor health. Key databases included CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycArticles, ProQuest, and Cancerlit databases. RESULTS Sixteen articles met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Four major categories emerged: 1) Dragon boat racing may enhance breast cancer survivor quality of life, 2) Natural environment may counteract attentional fatigue in newly diagnosed breast cancer survivors, 3) Adventure programs provide a positive experience for children and adolescent survivors, fostering a sense of belonging and self-esteem, and 4) Therapeutic landscapes may decrease state-anxiety, improving survivor health. CONCLUSIONS This review contributes to a better understanding of the therapeutic effects of nature-based experiences on cancer survivor health, providing a point of entry for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Ray
- Dept. of Physical Education and Recreation Studies, Faculty of Health & Community Studies, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB, T3E 6K6, Canada.
| | - Sonya L Jakubec
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Faculty of Health & Community Studies, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB, T3E 6K6, Canada.
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Su M, Chen B, Yang Z, Cai Y, Wang J. Urban public health: is there a pyramid? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:490-8. [PMID: 23358233 PMCID: PMC3635157 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10020490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Early ecologists identified a pyramidal trophic structure in terms of number, biomass and energy transfer. In 1943, the psychologist Maslow put forward a pyramid model to describe layers of human needs. It is indicated that the pyramid principle is universally applicable in natural, humanistic and social disciplines. Here, we report that a pyramid structure also exists in urban public health (UPH). Based on 18 indicators, the UPH states of four cities (Beijing, Tokyo, New York, and London) are compared from the point of view of five aspects, namely physical health, living conditions, social security, environmental quality, and education and culture. A pyramid structure was found in each city when focusing on 2000-2009 data. The pyramid of Beijing is relatively similar to that of Tokyo, and the pyramids of New York and London are similar to each other. A general development trend in UPH is proposed and represented by different pyramid modes. As a basic conjecture, the UPH pyramid model can be verified and developed with data of more cities over a longer period, and be used to promote healthy urban development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meirong Su
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai St., Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; E-Mails: (B.C.); (Z.Y.); (Y.C.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +86-10-5880-1763; Fax: +86-10-5880-7368
| | - Bin Chen
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai St., Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; E-Mails: (B.C.); (Z.Y.); (Y.C.)
| | - Zhifeng Yang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai St., Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; E-Mails: (B.C.); (Z.Y.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yanpeng Cai
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai St., Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; E-Mails: (B.C.); (Z.Y.); (Y.C.)
- Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainable Communities, University of Regina, 120-2 Research Drive, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 7H9, Canada
| | - Jiao Wang
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; E-Mail:
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Abstract
In the wake of the report of the World Health Organisation's Commission on the Social Determinants of Health, Closing the gap in a generation (Marmot 2008), this invited commentary considers the scope for geographical research on global health. We reflect on current work and note future possibilities, particularly those that take a critical perspective on the interplay of globalisation, security and health.
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Sastry S, Dutta MJ. Public health, global surveillance, and the "emerging disease" worldview: a postcolonial appraisal of PEPFAR. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2011; 27:519-532. [PMID: 22014270 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2011.616626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Drawing upon a postcolonial lens, this project looks at how meanings of HIV/AIDS are discursively constructed within the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which was launched in 2003 under the presidency of George W. Bush and has been heralded as the largest global public health intervention program in history. Building on existing literature that theorizes the interrelationships of public health and national security, global surveillance, and transnational hegemony, the postcolonial theoretical standpoint interrogates how such meanings are constructed within PEPFAR. A postcolonial deconstruction of the 2009 PEPFAR report to the Congress revealed three meanings of HIV/AIDS that were discursively constructed in such policy documents: (a) the "Third World" as a site of intervention, (b) U.S. altruism as "lifting" the burden of the soul, and (c) AIDS, economics, and security. The themes put forth the linkages among the symbolic representations in neocolonial configurations and the politics of material disparities across the globe, thus issuing a call for the creation of participatory and dialogic spaces for engaging subaltern voices that are typically treated as targets of policy and intervention discourses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaunak Sastry
- Department of Communication, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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Müller I, Coulibaly JT, Fürst T, Knopp S, Hattendorf J, Krauth SJ, Stete K, Righetti AA, Glinz D, Yao AK, Pühse U, N'Goran EK, Utzinger J. Effect of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections on physical fitness of school children in Côte d'Ivoire. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2011; 5:e1239. [PMID: 21811643 PMCID: PMC3139653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis are important public health problems in sub-Saharan Africa causing malnutrition, anemia, and retardation of physical and cognitive development. However, the effect of these diseases on physical fitness remains to be determined. Methodology We investigated the relationship between schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis and physical performance of children, controlling for potential confounding of Plasmodium spp. infections and environmental parameters (i.e., ambient air temperature and humidity). A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 156 school children aged 7–15 years from Côte d'Ivoire. Each child had two stool and two urine samples examined for helminth eggs by microscopy. Additionally, children underwent a clinical examination, were tested for Plasmodium spp. infection with a rapid diagnostic test, and performed a maximal multistage 20 m shuttle run test to assess their maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) as a proxy for physical fitness. Principal Findings The prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium, Plasmodium spp., Schistosoma mansoni, hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides infections was 85.3%, 71.2%, 53.8%, 13.5% and 1.3%, respectively. Children with single, dual, triple, quadruple and quintuple species infections showed VO2 max of 52.7, 53.1, 52.2, 52.6 and 55.6 ml kg−1 min−1, respectively. The VO2 max of children with no parasite infections was 53.5 ml kg−1 min−1. No statistically significant difference was detected between any groups. Multivariable analysis revealed that VO2 max was influenced by sex (reference: female, coef. = 4.02, p<0.001) and age (years, coef. = −1.23, p<0.001), but not by helminth infection and intensity, Plasmodium spp. infection, and environmental parameters. Conclusion/Significance School-aged children in Côte d'Ivoire showed good physical fitness, irrespective of their helminth infection status. Future studies on children's physical fitness in settings where helminthiasis and malaria co-exist should include pre- and post-intervention evaluations and the measurement of hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and nutritional parameters as potential co-factors to determine whether interventions further improve upon fitness. The burden of parasitic worm infections is considerable, particularly in developing countries. It is acknowledged that parasitic worm infections negatively impact on children's school performance and physical development. A deeper understanding of these linkages is important for updating burden of disease measures. We investigated the relationship between worm infection status and physical fitness of 156 school children from Côte d'Ivoire and controlled for potential confounding of Plasmodium infection (the causative agent of malaria) and environmental parameters (temperature and humidity). Children were diagnosed for parasitic worm and Plasmodium infections, examined by a physician, and participated in a 20 m shuttle run test to assess their maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) as a proxy for physical fitness. Most of the children had parasitic worms and a Plasmodium infection. Nevertheless, their physical fitness was excellent (average VO2 max: 52.7 ml kg−1 min−1). The level of VO2 max was only influenced by sex and age, but not by parasitic worms and Plasmodium infections. In future studies, the dynamics of children's physical performance should be assessed before and after control interventions, including the assessment of blood hemoglobin, hematocrit, and nutritional indicators to determine whether physical fitness in worm- and Plasmodium-infected individuals can be further improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Müller
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Public Health, Institute for Sports and Sports Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Jean T. Coulibaly
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- Université de Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Fürst
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Knopp
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan Hattendorf
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie J. Krauth
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katarina Stete
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Aurélie A. Righetti
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Glinz
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- Human Nutrition Laboratory, Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adrien K. Yao
- Services de Santé Scolaire et Universitaire, Agboville, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Uwe Pühse
- Department of Public Health, Institute for Sports and Sports Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eliézer K. N'Goran
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- Université de Cocody, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Fürst T, Müller I, Coulibaly JT, Yao AK, Utzinger J, N'Goran EK. Questionnaire-based approach to assess schoolchildren's physical fitness and its potential role in exploring the putative impact of helminth and Plasmodium spp. infections in Côte d'Ivoire. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:116. [PMID: 21702903 PMCID: PMC3157450 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Disability weights (DWs) are important for estimating burden of disease in terms of disability-adjusted life years. The previous practice of eliciting DWs by expert opinion has been challenged. More recent approaches employed quality of life (QoL) questionnaires to establish patient-based DWs, but results are ambiguous. Methods In early 2010, we administered a questionnaire pertaining to physical fitness to 200 schoolchildren in Côte d'Ivoire. Helminth and Plasmodium spp. infections were determined and schoolchildren's physical fitness objectively measured in a maximal multistage 20 m shuttle run test. Associations between objectively measured and self-reported physical fitness and between self-reported physical fitness and infection status were determined. Spearman rank correlation coefficient, uni- and multivariable linear regression models adjusting for children's age and sex, ambient air temperature and humidity, Fisher's test, χ² and t-test statistics were used for statistical analysis. Results The prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium, Plasmodium spp., Schistosoma mansoni, hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides in 167 children with complete parasitological results was 84.4%, 74.9%, 54.5%, 14.4% and 1.2%, respectively. High infection intensities and multiple species parasite infections were common. In the 137 children with complete data also from the shuttle run test, we found statistically significant correlations between objectively measured and self-reported physical fitness. However, no statistically significant correlation between the children's parasitic infection status and self-reported physical fitness was identified. An attrition analysis revealed considerably lower self-reported physical fitness scores of parasitized children who were excluded from shuttle run testing due to medical concerns in comparison to parasitized children who were able to successfully complete the shuttle run test. Conclusions Our QoL questionnaire proofed valid to assess children's physical fitness in the current study area. Reasons why no differences in self-reported physical fitness in children with different parasitic infections were found are manifold, but do not preclude the use of QoL questionnaires in the elicitation of DWs. Indeed, the questionnaire was particularly useful in assessing physical fitness of those children, who were - supposedly due to parasitic infections - unable to complete the shuttle run test. Hence, we encourage others to use QoL questionnaires to determine not only physical fitness, but also more subtle morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Fürst
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
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Hansen-Ketchum PA, Marck P, Reutter L, Halpenny E. Strengthening access to restorative places: Findings from a participatory study on engaging with nature in the promotion of health. Health Place 2011; 17:558-71. [PMID: 21324727 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2010.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2010] [Revised: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 12/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Hansen-Ketchum
- St. Francis Xavier University School of Nursing, Antigonish, P.O. Box 5000,1 West St. Nova Scotia, Canada B2G 2W5.
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Park JJ, O'Brien L, Roe J, Ward Thompson C, Mitchell R. The natural outdoors and health: Assessing the value and potential contribution of secondary public data sets in the UK to current and future knowledge. Health Place 2011; 17:269-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2010.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Revised: 10/04/2010] [Accepted: 11/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Bowler DE, Buyung-Ali LM, Knight TM, Pullin AS. A systematic review of evidence for the added benefits to health of exposure to natural environments. BMC Public Health 2010; 10:456. [PMID: 20684754 PMCID: PMC2924288 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-10-456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 670] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2009] [Accepted: 08/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing interest in the potential role of the natural environment in human health and well-being. However, the evidence-base for specific and direct health or well-being benefits of activity within natural compared to more synthetic environments has not been systematically assessed. METHODS We conducted a systematic review to collate and synthesise the findings of studies that compare measurements of health or well-being in natural and synthetic environments. Effect sizes of the differences between environments were calculated and meta-analysis used to synthesise data from studies measuring similar outcomes. RESULTS Twenty-five studies met the review inclusion criteria. Most of these studies were crossover or controlled trials that investigated the effects of short-term exposure to each environment during a walk or run. This included 'natural' environments, such as public parks and green university campuses, and synthetic environments, such as indoor and outdoor built environments. The most common outcome measures were scores of different self-reported emotions. Based on these data, a meta-analysis provided some evidence of a positive benefit of a walk or run in a natural environment in comparison to a synthetic environment. There was also some support for greater attention after exposure to a natural environment but not after adjusting effect sizes for pretest differences. Meta-analysis of data on blood pressure and cortisol concentrations found less evidence of a consistent difference between environments across studies. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the studies are suggestive that natural environments may have direct and positive impacts on well-being, but support the need for investment in further research on this question to understand the general significance for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana E Bowler
- Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation, School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography, Bangor University, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK.
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Curtis S, Hoyez A. Health, Well‐being and Immigrant Populations in France and Britain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MIGRATION, HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE 2010. [DOI: 10.5042/ijmhsc.2010.0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Chan CB, Ryan DA. Assessing the effects of weather conditions on physical activity participation using objective measures. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2009; 6:2639-54. [PMID: 20054460 PMCID: PMC2790098 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph6102639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2009] [Accepted: 09/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Habitual physical activity is an important determinant of health, yet many people are considered to be inactive. Identification of the obstacles to greater participation is necessary for the development of strategies to overcome those obstacles. The weather has been identified as a perceived barrier to participation in physical activity, but exactly which adverse weather conditions are most important, and the extent to which they contribute to decreases in physical activity have rarely been quantified in populations. In the past decade, a small number of studies have used publicly available databases to examine the quantitative effects of weather (e.g., temperature, precipitation, wind) on physical activity in children, adolescents and adults. This review examines our historical, qualitative versus emerging, quantitative understanding of how specific weather conditions affect a population's activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine B. Chan
- Departments of Physiology and Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Daniel A. Ryan
- Faculty of Science, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8, Canada; E-Mail:
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Hansen-Ketchum P, Marck P, Reutter L. Engaging with nature to promote health: new directions for nursing research. J Adv Nurs 2009; 65:1527-38. [PMID: 19456997 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.04989.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this paper is to offer a conceptual framework for nature-based health promotion in nursing and provide related recommendations for future nursing research. BACKGROUND Empirical data suggest that interaction with nature has direct health benefits. When people attend to outdoor habitats, gardens and other forms of nature, they are more likely to engage in physical activity and other behaviours that improve health. Engaging with nature can even cultivate ecological sensibilities that motivate us to protect the health of our planet. DATA SOURCES Multidisciplinary theoretical and research publications from 1985 to 2008 were examined in the development of the framework. DISCUSSION As the health of our planet continues to deteriorate, there is a pressing need for theoretically informed, ethical, sustainable ways of engaging with nature to promote human and environmental health. We adapt principles and socio-ecological thinking from the fields of nursing, health promotion and ecological restoration to delineate the essential elements of the proposed framework. Implications for nursing. Although evidence-based knowledge about nature-based health promotion is not readily used in nursing and health care, its development and application are critical to designing effective strategies to strengthen both human and environmental health. CONCLUSION Nurses can use nature-based health promotion concepts to work with citizens, health practitioners and policymakers to explore and optimize reciprocal, health promoting relationships among humans and the natural environment. To the extent that nurses integrate nature-based health promotion into their research efforts, we can expect to contribute meaningfully to both environmental and human health in communities across the globe.
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Brown T, Bell M. Imperial or postcolonial governance? Dissecting the genealogy of a global public health strategy. Soc Sci Med 2008; 67:1571-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2007] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Pluhar ZF, Piko BF, Kovacs S, Uzzoli A. "Air pollution is bad for my health": Hungarian children's knowledge of the role of environment in health and disease. Health Place 2008; 15:239-46. [PMID: 18620887 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2008.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2007] [Revised: 05/13/2008] [Accepted: 05/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
This study describes beliefs and knowledge of harmful environmental factors and environment-borne disease in 9- to 11-year-olds' (N=448) using the "draw-and-write" technique as a method of data collection. Most respondents described the man-made environmental risks (such as car transportation or noise pollution) as direct effects; however, in their interpretations, lifestyle (e.g., smoking) and other effects (e.g., pollen pollution) also received considerable emphasis. Although many did not describe a specific disease as environment-borne diseases, the most mentioned among the children were infectious diseases followed by allergy. The results of this study draw the attention to the relationship between health and environmental consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsanna F Pluhar
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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