Determinants of self-reported physical activity among Jordanian adults

Assessment of food consumption, smoking, alcohol use, and physical activity by sex and major of study among a sample of college students in Jordan

This study aimed to assess the food frequency and health-related risk behaviors based on gender and major of study (health and non-health majors) in a sample of undergraduate university students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 708 undergraduate university students (37.4% males; 62.6% females) with a mean age of 20.88(SD = 2.20), ranging from 18 to 37 years from five universities. A self-reported questionnaire was administered in the university classrooms to collect data. Results showed that 47.3% of students reported consuming fruits and vegetables (38.1%), and 54% reported consuming unhealthy foods at least once in the preceding 24 h. About 16% of the students were cigarette smokers, 17% were waterpipe smokers, and slightly more than 4% were alcohol consumers. Significant associations were found between the participants based on their sexes, and study majors (P < 0.001). Male students smoked and consumed alcohol at significantly higher rates than female students. As with regards to the physical activity in the preceding week, students had not carried out any stretching activities (52.8%), strengthening activities (62.4%), cycling (35%), or taken part in any physical activity classes (68.4%). The rates of physical activity were significantly higher among male students than female students (p < 0.001). The results showed that non-health major students differ from those in health majors in the consumption of cigarettes (p < 0.001) and waterpipe smoking (p = 0.027). Students in non-health majors were more likely than students in health majors to have carried out stretching activities (p = 0.021) and participated in physical activity classes (p = 0.02). Our findings highlighted the importance of identifying health-related risk behaviors among university students to develop a health-promoting intervention tailored to a specific group of students considering their sex and study majors.

Appraisal survey of the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Jordanian society toward diet and nutrition during COVID-19 era

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior (KAB) of the Jordanian society toward nutrition and diet during the COVID-19 era.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This study is an observational, cross-sectional study using a structured, validated, reproducible, self-administered online Arabic questionnaire. KAB of the study participants was assessed via a web-based, structured, validated, reproducible Arabic questionnaire. The tool for the assessment of the KAB was composed of 33-closed-ended multi-answer questions.

RESULTS

A total of 672 people were surveyed, 70.2% were between 18 and 34, and 69.5% were females. Participants have paid little attention to the healthfulness of their diet in the last year. The majority of participant's attitudes towards using different approaches to manage weight in the next year were: eating smaller portions for weight management, tracking to maximize the amount of time of physical activity, and substituting lower-calorie foods for full-calorie alternatives. Only tenth of participants utilize the time to perform physical activity. The majority made changes to their diet and exercise, and strictly follow commitment in connection with planning for the following year.

CONCLUSIONS

Educators, legislative, food manufacturers, household heads, and policymakers are called upon to improve Jordanians' KAB on nutrition and diet. Furthermore, Jordanian nutrition and diet behavior can be invested to improve the dietary interventions designed by nutrition and dietetics professionals.

Relationship between shift-work and life-style behaviors among emergency department nurses in Jordan

Shift-work can alter the nurses' lifestyle behaviors, which negatively influence health. This study is purposed to assess the relationship between shift-work and selected lifestyle behaviors including, dietary habits, physical activity, and nicotine dependence among Jordanian nurses who work at the emergency department. A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design was used. A total of 275 Jordanian nurses from the emergency department of Jordanian hospitals participated in the questionnaire. The results showed that 50.2% of the nurses suffered from poor dietary habits, 81.8% of them were physically inactive, and 65.1% had nicotine dependence. There was a positive correlation between shift-work, dietary habits, physical activity, and nicotine dependence. Therefore, the effects of shift-work should be considered when planning and developing interventional programs to enhance nurses' health and promote healthy behaviors among nurses workforce during shift-work.

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in the Middle East and North Africa: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis

To support the global strategy to reduce risk factors for obesity, we synthesized the evidence on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Our systematic overview included seven systematic reviews reporting 229 primary studies. The meta-analysis included 125 prevalence measures from 20 MENA countries. After 2000, 50.8% of adults (ranging from 13.2% in Sudan to 94.9% in Jordan) and 25.6% of youth (ranging from 8.3% in Egypt to 51.0% in Lebanon) were sufficiently active. Limited data on PA behaviours is available for MENA countries, with the exception of Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The meta-regression identified gender and geographical coverage among youth, and the PA measurement as predictors of PA prevalence for both adults and youth. Our analysis suggests a significant PA prevalence increase among adults over the last two decades. The inconsistency in sedentary behaviour measurement is related to the absence of standardized guidelines for its quantification and interpretation. The global epidemic of insufficient PA is prevalent in MENA. Lower PA participation among youth and specifically females should be addressed by focused lifestyle interventions. The recognition of sedentary behaviour as a public health issue in the region remains unclear. Additional data on PA behaviours is needed from low- and middle-income countries in the region.

Physical inactivity, gender and culture in Arab countries: a systematic assessment of the literature

Background

Physical inactivity is associated with excess weight and adverse health outcomes. We synthesize the evidence on physical inactivity and its social determinants in Arab countries, with special attention to gender and cultural context.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Popline, and SSCI for articles published between 2000 and 2016, assessing the prevalence of physical inactivity and its social determinants. We also included national survey reports on physical activity, and searched for analyses of the social context of physical activity.

Results

We found 172 articles meeting inclusion criteria. Standardized data are available from surveys by the World Health Organization for almost all countries, but journal articles show great variability in definitions, measurements and methodology. Prevalence of inactivity among adults and children/adolescents is high across countries, and is higher among women. Some determinants of physical inactivity in the region (age, gender, low education) are shared with other regions, but specific aspects of the cultural context of the region seem particularly discouraging of physical activity. We draw on social science studies to gain insights into why this is so.

Conclusions

Physical inactivity among Arab adults and children/adolescents is high. Studies using harmonized approaches, rigorous analytic techniques and a deeper examination of context are needed to design appropriate interventions.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-5472-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Behavioural intervention to increase physical activity in adults with coronary heart disease in Jordan

BACKGROUND

Patients with coronary heart disease often do not follow prescribed physical activity recommendations. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a behavioural intervention to increase physical activity in patients with coronary heart disease not attending structured cardiac rehabilitation programmes.

METHODS

Parallel randomised controlled trial comparing 6-month multi-component behavioural change intervention (n = 71) with usual care (n = 85) was conducted in two hospitals in Jordan, Middle East. Intervention included one face-to-face individualised consultation, 6 telephone support calls (for goal-setting, feedback and self-monitoring) and 18 reminder text messages. Patients were randomly allocated to the two groups by opening opaque sealed sequence envelopes. The patients and the researcher who provided the intervention and assessed the outcomes were not blinded. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Primary outcome was physical activity level, secondary outcomes were blood pressure, body mass index, exercise self-efficacy for exercise and health-related quality of life.

RESULTS

Intervention and control groups were comparable at baseline. Moderate physical activity significantly increased in the intervention group compared with control group (mean change (SD) of frequency: 0.23 (0.87) days/week versus -.06 (0.40); duration: 15.53 (90.15) minutes/week versus -3.67 (22.60) minutes/week; intensity: 31.05 (105.98) Metabolic equivalents (METs) versus 14.68 (90.40) METs). Effect size was 0.03 for moderate PA frequency, 0.02 for moderate PA duration and 0.01 for moderate PA intensity. Walking significantly increased in the intervention group compared with control group (mean change (SD) of frequency: 3.15 (2.75) days/week versus 0.37 (1.83) days/week; duration: 150.90 (124.47) minutes/week versus 24.05 (195.93) minutes/week; intensity: 495.12 (413.74) METs versus14.62 (265.06) METs). Effect size was 0.36 for walking frequency, 0.05 for walking duration, 0.32 for walking intensity and 0.29 for total PA intensity. Intervention participants had significantly lower blood pressure, lower body mass index, greater exercise self-efficacy and better health-related quality of life at 6 months compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Multi-component behavioural intervention increases physical activity, and improves body composition, physiological and psychological outcomes in CHD patients not attending structured rehabilitation programmes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials retrospectively registered in 21-03-2012. ISRCTN48570595 .

The Relationship Between Health-Promoting Behaviors and Metabolic Syndrome in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

BACKGROUND

Poor health-promoting behaviors increase the risk of chronic disease and disability in older adults. Nevertheless, the predictors of health-promoting behaviors and their relationship with metabolic syndrome have been poorly characterized in older Taiwanese adults.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the determinants of health-promoting behaviors in community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan and the relationship of health-promoting behaviors with metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 200 community residents aged 60 years and over was recruited from two large communities in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Data collection included physical examination and a structured questionnaire including measures of health status, health-promoting behaviors, self-efficacy, social support, and metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS

Metabolic syndrome was found in 60% of older Taiwanese adults. These participants had higher scores in interpersonal relationships but lower scores in physical activity. Half of the health-promoting behaviors were explained by behavior-specific cognitions and affect, and 44% of behavior-specific cognitions and affect was explained by the health status of the older adult.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity should be promoted in older Taiwanese adults. Positive behavior-specific cognitions and affect and better health status might impact the health-promoting behaviors of these adults.

Gender Differences in Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior and BMI in the Liberec Region: the IPAQ Study in 2002-2009

The occurrence of overweight, obesity and physical activity (PA) belongs to major factors influencing health. However, information on the longitudinal development of PA in Europe has been, up until now, insufficient. The aim of the study was to describe the changes in PA, sedentary behavior and BMI in the inhabitants of the Liberec region during the surveybetween 2002 – 2009. The data were obtained in 2002–2004 using the short version of the IPAQ questionnaire, in 2005–2009 using the long version of the IPAQ. The sample of participants comprised 957 males and 1066 females aged 25–60 years. A significant decrease in sitting accounting for minutes on working days has been recorded both in men and women. A significant increase of PA both in men and women was reported, however the interpretation of the increase needs to be done cautiously due to the application of the short and long version of the IPAQ. Regarding PA intensity, men show more PA in total than women, which can be explained mainly by the differences in vigorous PA. Women show significantly lower values of BMI in all years in which surveys were conducted than men (p<0.001). Based on self-reported data, we have recorded an increase in the number of overweight and obese people. Time spent sitting on working days has had a tendency to decrease, yet a negative trend in the decrease in self-reported total PA has not been confirmed. Despite the fact that there has been an increase in self-reported PA, no decrease in BMI was registered.

Lifestyle and health promoting behaviours in Jordanian subjects without prior history of coronary heart disease

Modern styles of living and the accelerated pace of life could direct people to adopt unhealthy lifestyles. Globally, literature indicates that the percentages of people who adopt healthy lifestyle behaviour (HLB) are disappointing. This study aimed to identify the level of adoption of HLB in Jordanian subjects and to compare the sociodemographic and self-reported clinical history based on the HLB adoption level. Cross-section descriptive study was conducted and Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile-II was used to reflect subjects' adoption of HLB. Through convenience sampling 260 subjects were enrolled; 50% had excess weight, 30% were current smokers, 53% had never had their cholesterol assessed. Findings revealed that subjects were not adopting HLB regularly. Women, married, educated, young subjects and having higher income subjects had higher HLB adoption level. Health-promotion programmes are urgently needed for this community and sociodemographic variables have to be considered throughout preparation, implementation and evaluation phases of such programmes.

Neighbourhood environment correlates of physical activity: a study of eight Czech regional towns

An adequate amount of physical activity (PA) is a key factor that is associated with good health. This study assessed socio-environmental factors associated with meeting the health recommendations for PA (achieving 10,000 steps per day). In total, 1,653 respondents randomly selected from across eight regional towns (each >90,000 inhabitants) in the Czech Republic participated in the study. The ANEWS questionnaire assessed the environment in neighbourhoods, and participants’ weekly PA was objectively monitored (Yamax Digiwalker SW-700 pedometer). About 24% of participants were sufficiently active, 27% were highly active; 28% participants were overweight and 5% were obese. Although BMI was significantly inversely associated with the daily step counts achieved only in females, for both genders, BMI was generally not significantly associated with the criterion of achieving 10,000 steps per day during the week. Increased BMI in both genders was accompanied with a decline in participation in organized PA and with increasing age. As regards to the demographic/lifestyle factors, for females, more participation in organized PA was significantly positively correlated with the achieved daily step counts. In contrast, older age and higher BMI (for females) and smoking (for males) were significantly negatively correlated with the achieved daily step counts. In terms of the environmental aspects, pleasant environments were significantly positively correlated to daily step counts for both genders. Additionally, for males, better residencies (more family homes rather than apartment blocks) in the neighbourhood were significantly positively correlated with their daily step counts. For females, less accessibility of shops and non-sport facilities (depending on walking distance in minutes) were significantly negatively correlated to the achieved daily step counts. Individuals who lived in pleasant neighbourhoods, with better access to shops and who participated in organized PA (≥2 times a week) tended to meet the recommendations for health-enhancing PA levels. The creation of physical activity-friendly environments could be associated with enhancing people’s achieved daily step counts and meeting the health criteria for PA.

Gender differences in physical activity and its determinants in rural adults in Korea

AIM

This study aimed to examine gender differences in physical activity and its determinants among rural adults in Korea.

BACKGROUND

Only limited studies exist that examined gender differences in physical activity in Korean adults. Major determinants for physical activity such as self-efficacy, benefits and barriers have been studied, but little is known about their gender differences. Nurses promoting and teaching adults to increase physical activity need data for evidence-based practice.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional descriptive design was used.

METHOD

Participants were 481 adults living in a rural area of Korea. The physical activity status, exercise self-efficacy, benefits, barriers and sociodemographics were compared between men and women. Descriptive statistics, t-test and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The physical activity status, perceived self-efficacy and benefits of physical activity in women were significantly lower than those of men. For men, only self-efficacy was statistically significant in explaining recommended physical activity as well as physical activity participation. However, for women, benefits and barriers as well as self-efficacy significantly explained their participation of physical activity, but not the recommended physical activity. Unlike men, women's physical activity was significantly associated with sociodemographic factors.

CONCLUSION

Gender differences found in this study should be the basis for evidence-based nursing practice. Tailored nursing interventions based on gender would improve physical activity of rural adults in Korea and beyond.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Nurses providing care for rural adults should know the gender differences in the determinants of physical activity and provide gender-specific interventions to improve their physical activity.

The effects of a cardiovascular disease prevention program on knowledge and adoption of a heart healthy lifestyle in Jordanian working adults

BACKGROUND

Improving cardiac related knowledge to further healthy lifestyles is the best preventive strategy against coronary heart diseases (CHD). Previous studies revealed a critical shortage in all-around cardiac related knowledge, plus an overall shortage in adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors.

AIMS

To evaluate the effectiveness of an education, counseling and behavioral skill-building program in Jordanian working adults' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about CHD and adoption of a healthy lifestyle.

METHODS

A non-equivalent quasi-experimental design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention program that is based on Pender's Health Promotion Model. The Response Questionnaire and HPLP-II were used to measure subjects' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and adoption of healthy lifestyle.

RESULTS

One hundred six subjects completed the posttest questionnaires. Experimental group showed significantly better cardiac related knowledge, better scores for attitudes, and better scores for the health responsibility, nutritional behaviors, interpersonal relationships and total HPLP-II score. Subject's beliefs, physical activity, spiritual growth and stress management were not improved significantly. Men had better scores in beliefs and women had better scores for health responsibility.

CONCLUSION

Individual commitment to healthier lifestyles should be encouraged, and researchers have to design and apply more specific interventions that are directed toward improving factors that are not significantly improved through traditional programs.

Significant effects of Fatwa-based perception on contraceptive practice among Muslim women in south Jordan under the early stage of fertility transition

An interview survey of 450 Muslim women in a rural village of south Jordan under the early stage of fertility transition was conducted to explore major causes of contraceptive use, taking both their sociodemographic attributes and fatwa (Islamic jurisprudence)-based perception into account. Discriminant analysis, which was performed for the subject women divided into 15- to 29-, 30- to 39-, and 40- to 49-year age groups, revealed that "the number of living children" in the former and "to do contraception for good care of children" in the latter played significant roles in discrimination into contraceptive user and nonuser groups for any age groups. To cope with demographically and socioeconmically vulnerable situations, contraceptive prevalence rate should be increased by means of government-led family planning programs in cooperation with the imam (Muslim religious leaders and priests) through fatwa, in which special attention is paid to traditional norms, represented by good childcare.

Aconselhamento para a prática de atividade física como estratégia de educação à saúde

O estudo descreve a prevalência de aconselhamento educativo à saúde relacionado à atividade física entre as pessoas que utilizaram alguma vez na vida uma unidade básica de saúde, e verifica alguns fatores associados. Estudo com delineamento transversal e amostra aleatória de indivíduos adultos (N = 4.060) e idosos (N = 4.003), moradores em áreas de abrangência de unidades de saúde, em 41 municípios de sete estados das regiões Sul e Nordeste do Brasil. A prevalência de aconselhamento relacionado à atividade física foi de 28,9% (IC95%: 27,3-30,4) entre os adultos e de 38,9% (IC95%: 37,3-40,6) entre os idosos. A prevalência do desfecho foi sempre maior entre os idosos na região Nordeste, e nos adultos e idosos atendidos pelo Programa Saúde da Família. Sexo, padrão de consumo sócio-econômico, tabagismo, sedentarismo, diagnóstico médico de doenças crônicas e uso de medicação contínua também estiveram associados ao desfecho. O aconselhamento à prática de atividade física nas unidades básicas de saúde foi pouco utilizado frente às necessidades dos indivíduos, principalmente em termos de estimular hábitos de vida saudáveis. É necessário melhorar a participação dos profissionais das diferentes áreas do conhecimento na condução de aconselhamentos em saúde.