A cross-sectional study investigating lifestyle and weight perception of undergraduate students in southern Italy

Sabella

Molin

et al. 2020

IJERPH

Self Cite

Physical activity (PA) and exercise are fundamental to maintaining health in older adults. World Health Organization guidelines state that older adults should practice at least 150 min/week of moderate/vigorous intensity PA to obtain health benefits. We assessed PA levels among older adults in southern Italy and evaluated possible associated determinants. The study was carried out between September and November 2019 in the metropolitan area of Bari. We collected information from participants over 65 years using a self-administered questionnaire. We investigated associations between sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, and inactivity/PA levels. A total of 383 individuals completed the questionnaire. Mean body mass index indicated that 45.4% of participants were overweight. Mean time spent in PA was 476.2 ± 297.8 min/week, with women reporting lower levels than men (370.8 ± 210 vs. 555.2 ± 334.3 min/week, p = 0.08). Weekly sitting time was positively related to age. Attending religious or recreational activities was related to moderate PA. Educational level was positively associated with PA while dog ownership represented an obstacle to achieving recommended PA levels in our population. Participants generally met the recommended levels of PA, especially men; the educational level was the main determinant. Interventions aimed at promoting PA among older adults with lower education levels and women are needed in this setting.

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Physical Activity in Older Adults: An Investigation in a Metropolitan Area of Southern Italy

Sabella

Molin

et al. 2020

IJERPH

Self Cite

“…Furthermore, we did not analyze the working condition of participants. Considering that being a working student may have effects on PA levels, it should have been investigated as a possible lifestyle predictor (33).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, the characterization of HL among undergraduates attending non healthcare-related courses may be important in order to identify possible aspects that should be addressed in university students, who frequently adopt unhealthy lifestyle. (32)(33)(34)(35) The HL of graduates must be adequate so that they can guide others in maintaining and improving their health and well-being, and improve the economy of their country; therefore, educational curricula should consider this item (36).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are health literacy and lifestyle of undergraduates related to the educational field? An Italian survey

Calella

Napoli

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Background. Health literacy is a fundamental ability that allows individuals to manage their health. This study was aimed to assess health literacy and lifestyles among healthcare undergraduates in comparison to students attending other degree courses from two Italian universities. Methods. The Health Literacy Assessment Tool (HLAT-8) and the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) were used to assess health literacy. Demographic and anthropometric data, adherence to Mediterranean diet, physical activity levels and smoking habit were assessed in the enrolled sample to highlight possible associations. Results. Adequate health literacy scores were registered in the sample (27.4±4.4 HLAT-8; 4.2±1.8 NVS), with higher values among healthcare students (p<0.01). However, unhealthy behaviors were reported mainly be healthcare undergraduates. Significant associations were found between health literacy scores and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p<0.01).Conclusions. Attending a healthcare related degree course was associated with higher health literacy scores but not with healthy behaviors. This issue should be addressed considering that the future healthcare professionals should represent a behavioral model for their patients.

“…The first section of the questionnaire included questions regarding socio-demographic features of participants (gender, age, nationality, university, parents’ educational level, residential status) and specific conditions during lockdown (living with own family or not if off-site student, have been in quarantine or not due to personal or contacts’ exposure to 2019-n-CoV). The design of this section was based on previous studies performed with the same student population [ 11 , 16 ] and revised by a panel of experts composed of one demographer and one epidemiologist.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These effects are mediated by mechanisms such as the development of muscle atrophy, the reduction of muscle insulin sensitivity and aerobic capacity and changes in body composition, which may occur even after limited periods of inactivity [ 4 , 5 ]. University students in particular are exposed to unhealthy sedentary and dietary habits also in the non-pandemic period, especially if living away from home [ 11 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sedentary Behaviors and Physical Activity of Italian Undergraduate Students during Lockdown at the Time of CoViD−19 Pandemic

Sabella

Ferracuti

et al. 2020

IJERPH

Self Cite

216

183

Background: From March to May 2020, lockdown measures were adopted in Italy to contain the epidemic of the novel Coronavirus. People were forced to restrict their movement and social contacts, therefore having a higher risk of inactivity. This study, carried out among Italian undergraduates, explored their sedentary and physical activities (PA) during the lockdown with respect to their previous habits. Methods: An electronic questionnaire was administered once to students attending three Italian universities after the end of lockdown. Results: A total of 1430 students (mean age 22.9 ± 3.5 years, 65.5% females) completed the questionnaire. All the sedentary behaviors increased significantly, and all the physical activities decreased significantly during the lockdown. Time spent using electronic devices showed the highest increase (+52.4 min/day), and walking the greatest decrease (−365.5 min/week). Being younger than 22 years old, female, and previously active, attending the universities of Naples and Rome and having at least one graduate parent were associated with the achievement of recommended levels of PA even during the lockdown. Conclusions: This study highlights the reduction of PA among Italian undergraduates in the course of home-confinement due to the CoViD-19 pandemic. The practice of adequate PA during the lockdown was mainly associated with the previous adoption of an active lifestyle. Promoting active lifestyles during the non-pandemic period may have had positive effects also in case of lockdown.