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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Physical health promotion'
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1
Shagott, Todd P. "Physical health promotion in consumer run organizations." Diss., Wichita State University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10057/2494.
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There are large disparities in physical health within psychiatric population. These disparities are
made greater by the poor health behaviors of the psychiatric population in general. Change in
health behaviors is aided by social support, a resource common within consumer run
organizations (CROs). This study both investigated the health of people with psychiatric
disabilities in Kansas and examined CROs to determine their organizational and setting level
support for physical activity and eating a healthy diet.
Collection of data was primarily through semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted
with two samples, attendees of the 2008 Recovery Conference, and members and staff of 16
CROs in Kansas.
Consistent with previous literature, the participants in this study were found to be in much poorer
health than the general population. The dietary behaviors of participants included high
consumption of foods with low nutritional value and low consumption of foods high in
nutritional value. In general, the organization and setting characteristics of CROs provided little
support for either healthy eating a healthy diet or physical activity. Discussion focused on the
potential for CROs to enhance healthy eating and physical activity through setting changes.Thesis (Ph.D.)--Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Psychology
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Mirzaiinajmabadi, Khadigeh. "Physical activity and health promotion in midlife women." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2005. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/16067/1/Khadigeh_Mirzaniinajmabadi_Thesis.pdf.
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Objectives: This study specifically focused on health promotion and physical activity in midlife women. Health promotion in midlife women was examined to determine if exercise could improve the menopausal symptoms and health status in midlife women and if a multi-modal intervention might improve the level of activity in midlife women. The objectives of the study included 1) To identify the relationship between physical activity, menopausal symptoms and health status in midlife women, and 2) To determine the effect of a multi-modal intervention on increasing levels of exercise in midlife women.
Methods: The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase included a secondary data analysis of 886 women who took part in the Queensland Midlife Women Health Survey (QMWHS) aged 45-60 years, who were randomly selected from South-East Queensland. In the second phase a randomised, controlled study was conducted on a subset of women who participated in the QMWHS. Women who were allocated to the intervention group (n=47) received an intervention, which combined a multi-modal program of physical activity with health education. Women in the control group continued their normal physical activities (n=66).
Results: Findings of this study indicated that increasing exercise was associated with lower psychological and somatic symptoms in midlife women. The study found that exercise was associated with decreasing menopausal symptoms. In the area of health status, significant differences were found between exercise and mental health, vitality, general health and physical function. This study revealed that a multi modal intervention could increase the level of activity in midlife women. There were significant differences in monthly exercise and vigorous activity between the intervention and control groups 3 months after the intervention. Women stated that they felt physical and mentally better and the program motivated them into being more active. They mentioned that the program was easy to understand and follow and the concept of the program was well organized and useful for them.
Conclusion: This study showed that exercise might provide a wider health effect on midlife women's health by decreasing menopausal symptoms and improving health status.
Exercise counselling is an essential component of healthcare, especially among middle-aged women who are experiencing physical, emotional, and social changes. Health professionals and nurses are in a good position to assist midlife women through providing information about the health effect of exercise. Physical activity should be encouraged for the prevention and reduction of risks for chronic disease and the improvement of health in midlife women.
The multi-modal program was effective in increasing levels of activity in midlife women. This is an important finding as exercise is difficult health behaviour to change. Study implications suggest that this type of intervention may provide an effective, clinically manageable therapy for women who choose a self-directed approach to increase their level of activity. This program may offer implications for designing and implementing exercise interventions in further studies.
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Mirzaiinajmabadi, Khadigeh. "Physical Activity and Health Promotion in Midlife Women." Queensland University of Technology, 2005. http://eprints.qut.edu.au/16067/.
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Objectives: This study specifically focused on health promotion and physical activity in midlife women. Health promotion in midlife women was examined to determine if exercise could improve the menopausal symptoms and health status in midlife women and if a multi-modal intervention might improve the level of activity in midlife women. The objectives of the study included 1) To identify the relationship between physical activity, menopausal symptoms and health status in midlife women, and 2) To determine the effect of a multi-modal intervention on increasing levels of exercise in midlife women. Methods: The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase included a secondary data analysis of 886 women who took part in the Queensland Midlife Women Health Survey (QMWHS) aged 45-60 years, who were randomly selected from South-East Queensland. In the second phase a randomised, controlled study was conducted on a subset of women who participated in the QMWHS. Women who were allocated to the intervention group (n=47) received an intervention, which combined a multi-modal program of physical activity with health education. Women in the control group continued their normal physical activities (n=66). Results: Findings of this study indicated that increasing exercise was associated with lower psychological and somatic symptoms in midlife women. The study found that exercise was associated with decreasing menopausal symptoms. In the area of health status, significant differences were found between exercise and mental health, vitality, general health and physical function. This study revealed that a multi modal intervention could increase the level of activity in midlife women. There were significant differences in monthly exercise and vigorous activity between the intervention and control groups 3 months after the intervention. Women stated that they felt physical and mentally better and the program motivated them into being more active. They mentioned that the program was easy to understand and follow and the concept of the program was well organized and useful for them. Conclusion: This study showed that exercise might provide a wider health effect on midlife women's health by decreasing menopausal symptoms and improving health status. Exercise counselling is an essential component of healthcare, especially among middle-aged women who are experiencing physical, emotional, and social changes. Health professionals and nurses are in a good position to assist midlife women through providing information about the health effect of exercise. Physical activity should be encouraged for the prevention and reduction of risks for chronic disease and the improvement of health in midlife women. The multi-modal program was effective in increasing levels of activity in midlife women. This is an important finding as exercise is difficult health behaviour to change. Study implications suggest that this type of intervention may provide an effective, clinically manageable therapy for women who choose a self-directed approach to increase their level of activity. This program may offer implications for designing and implementing exercise interventions in further studies.
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Kyriakaki, Maria. "Promotion of physical health behaviours : framing' the persuasive message." Thesis, University of Essex, 2007. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.442515.
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The present thesis focuses on an important issue in the psychology of health promotion, whether `message framing' is an effective method of persuading people to adopt behaviours beneficial to their physical health. The first study (chapter 2) was a metaanalysis including forty-seven published experiments that investigated differences in persuasiveness between gain and loss messages promoting detection or prevention behaviours (N=27,796 participants). Results showed that the gain-loss difference was small but statistically significant across motivational, psychosocial and affective variables as well as on behavioural outcome. The absolute effect size corresponding to the gain-loss difference was d =. 13 for behaviour, d =. 14 for overall attitudes and d =. 15 for intention. The difference between the two framing types was moderate as far as concerns people's immediate thoughts (d =. 41). Overall, there was stronger support for gain frame advantage in relation to behavioural outcome, outcome efficacy and thoughts for the promotion of prevention behaviours, and some support for loss frame advantage with regard to overall attitudes and perceived risk for the promotion of detection behaviours. Important moderators of the gain-loss difference that emerged from the meta-analysis were perceived risk, regulatory focus of the message (message content) and type of behavioural goal (detection/prevention of disease). In study 2 (chapter 3) and study 3 (chapter 4) there was some support for the moderating role of type of behavioural outcomes embedded within loss or gain messages. Promotion of detection behaviours, such as Type 2 diabetes blood testing maybe enhanced via loss messages with health outcomes, while sex-related prevention behaviours, condom use may be best promoted using gain messages referring to health outcomes. Study 4 (chapter 5) assessed another type of message framing, `temporal framing' incorporated within gain messages promoting sunscreen use. It was shown that by matching the temporal frame of the message with the CFC motivational orientation of the message recipient (Strathman et al., 1994), persuasion is maximised.
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Hagberg, Lars. "Cost-effectiveness of the promotion of physical activity in health care." Doctoral thesis, Umeå : Univ, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-999.
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Ngarambe, Robert. "Physical activity levels and health promotion strategies among physiotherapists in Rwanda." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2011. http://etd.uwc.ac.za/index.php?module=etd&action=viewtitle&id=gen8Srv25Nme4_5969_1367481268.
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Physical inactivity has become a global health concern and is among the 10 leading causes of death and disability. This has led to increased concern for chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDL).
Studies have revealed that regular physical activity is effective in combating several CDL such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension and obesity. Physiotherapists are in a
position to combat inactivity and effectively promote physical activity to their clients. Studies however have shown that participation in physical activity among physiotherapists could have an
impact on the promotion of physical activity and their health practices. This study therefore sought to establish the relationship between physical activity levels of physiotherapists and their
physical
activity promotion strategies and barriers to promoting physical activity. Sequential Mixed Method Design was used in this study. Data was collected by means of a self administered
questionnaire and a total of 92 physiotherapists voluntarily answered the questionnaire. A focus group discussion comprising of 10 purposively selected physiotherapists was conducted. The
questionnaire assessed physical activity levels
and physical activity promoting strategies of the participants while the focus groupdiscussion looked at the barriers to promoting physical
activity. The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18 was used for data capturing and analysis. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize demographic information
as means, standard deviation, frequencies and percentages. Inferential statistics (chi-square) was used to test the associations between different categorical variables (p<
0.05). For the qualitative data, focus group discussions were used to collect data. Tape recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, field notes typed, sorting and arranging data was done and themes
were generated. Thematic analysis was then done under the generated themes. Ethical issues pertaining to informed consent, anonymity, confidentiality and the right to withdraw from the
study were respected in this current study. The findings in the current study revealed that a big number of the participants were physical active both at work and recreation domains. However,
there was no statistically significant association between physical activity and the demographicvariables. The results in this study revealed that the majority of participants were good
physical activity promoting practices, although there was no significant association between physical activity levels and the physical activity promoting practices. The finding in this study revealed that discussing physical
activity and giving out information regarding physical activity to their clients were the most common methods used in promoting physical activity. However, participants also highlighted barriers they
ace in promotion of physical activity such as policies on physical activity, cultural influence, nature of work, time management as well as environmental barriers. The study demonstrates the
need for all stakeholders to come up with solutions to break the barriers to promotion of physical activity. In return it will bring about enormous health
benefits to the general population.
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Björklund, Erika. "Constituting the healthy employee? : Governing gendered subjects in workplace health promotion." Doctoral thesis, Umeå universitet, Pedagogik, 2008. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-1953.
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With a post-structural approach and an analytical focus on processes of governmentality and biopower, this study is concerned with how discourses of health are contextualized in educational practice and interaction between educators and participants in workplace health promotion (WHP) interventions. Of concern are issues of the discursive production, regulation and representation of power, knowledge and subjects as gendered beings in workplace health promotion interventions. The methods for generating data are participant observation, interviews and gathering of documentation pertaining to four different workplace health promotion nterventions. Based on these data, the thesis offers an analysis of the health discourses drawn on in the interventions and the technologies of power and of the self by which the participants are governed and invited to govern themselves in the name of health. It also asks what practices and positions that thus come to be made available or not to the participants. Two health discourses are identified: the biomedical discourse and the wellness discourse. Both discourses are drawn on in all four studied interventions, the biomedical discourse being the dominating discourse drawn on. The biomedical discourse is informed by scientific ‘facts’ and statistics and is underpinned by a notion of risk. The wellness discourse is informed by an understanding of health as a subjective embodied experience and is underpinned by a notion of pleasure. Drawing on these discourses, the responsibility for health is placed with the participants and the healthy participant/employee is constituted as a rationally motivated risk-avoider and disciplined pleasure seeker who is both willing and able to actively make ‘good’ choices regarding their lifestyle. Furthermore, and informed by essentialist and heteronormative ideas about gender, the ideal healthy person is modelled on a male norm, representing women as the deviant Other.
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Stay, Grace Elizabeth. "The impact of a health promotion program on student health concerns." W&M ScholarWorks, 1999. https://scholarworks.wm.edu/etd/1539618794.
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The purpose of this study was to explore the psychological impact of a health promotion program on fourth and fifth grade students. Other research has demonstrated that this same program was associated with physiological improvements in elementary children, and this investigation explored whether students experienced positive changes in attitude and awareness which may suggest that improved behaviors will be sustained over time.;Two schools in rural Virginia were sites for this study. In each school one fourth grade and one fifth grade class was randomly assigned to the treatment program, and one fourth and one fifth grade class were control groups. The American Heart Association's Heart Power program, a 16-lesson curriculum, was substituted for the standard health curriculum for four weeks, and presented by the classroom teachers. Measures of weight concerns, dietary self-efficacy, exercise awareness, body-concept and self-concept were given before and after the treatment, and then again three weeks later.;It was hypothesized that students participating in the Heart Power program would experience improvements in (1) awareness of the importance of exercise to health, (2) belief that they could make healthy food choices, (3) self-esteem and body-concept, and (4) a decrease in weight concerns.;The results were statistically significant for three of the five measures: exercise awareness, dietary self-efficacy and body-concept. There were not statistically significant differences in measured weight concerns and overall self-concept. Further research is needed to confirm the apparent effectiveness of this program in promoting positive changes in children and to determine which aspects of the program are most effective.
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Sykes, K. "The role of exercise in community health and fitness promotion." Thesis, University of Liverpool, 1987. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.383466.
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Gorman, Jane Adelaide. "The promotion of Physical best: An inclusive tool for interdisciplinary physical education." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 2000. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/1624.
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Shore, Stuart Mitchell. "The H.Y.P.P.E. Initiative: A School-Based Physical Activity Promotion Program." Diss., Temple University Libraries, 2010. http://cdm16002.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p245801coll10/id/68297.
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KinesiologyPh.D.
Physical activity promotion in schools is a critical component of adolescent health. The main purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a school-based program to increase the physical activity of 6th grade students. A total of 113 students in a large suburban public middle school participated in the 11 week study. A quasi-experimental design was used. Physical education (PE) classes served as the unit of randomization. Six PE classes were assigned to the control condition and six PE classes to the experimental condition. Control group students were asked to wear unsealed pedometers throughout the day in school and at home and to record their daily step-counts in school. Experimental group students also wore unsealed pedometers throughout the day and logged their daily step-counts in school, but additionally received a 10,000 step per day goal, were asked to attain an increased step-count goal during PE class, and received an enhanced PE curriculum. Pre- and post-test data were gathered for all dependent measures including average daily step-counts by week, GPA, attendance, tardiness, attitude and self-efficacy toward physical activity, and Presidential Physical Fitness Tests. The data analysis was completed using analyses of variance (ANOVAs), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), paired sample t-tests, and independent sample t-tests. Results revealed significant gains in physical activity for both treatment conditions. Both groups demonstrated significantly increased step-counts relative to their baseline step-counts. The intervention did not produce significant changes in attitude or self-efficacy. There were some significant improvements in physical fitness and the scholastic measures, but these changes were not attributed to the intervention. Very low attrition, a high compliance rate, and favorable participant feedback were also noted. Overall, this study revealed that, in the short-term, it is possible to significantly improve physical activity without changing an adolescent's self-efficacy or attitude. An important finding of this study was that multi-faceted self-monitoring was the most critical factor that contributed to increased physical activity.
Temple University--Theses
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Yarashuk, Elvira. "Health promotion at the workplace : Promoting health by embracing the concept of corporate social responsibility." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för organisation och entreprenörskap (OE), 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-28298.
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The main issues, which arise in that research project, are connected with health dimensions. There are emphasised points, which contribute to the employees’ health and well-being, solutions, which organisations implement to prevent workers from diseases and illnesses, to track their current condition of body and mind and generally to improve their overall health situation. From the very beginning the main stress was supposed to lie on physical activity promotion being an integral part of health promotion at the workplace but the obtained information from the conducted interviews verified that idea. The research also touches other variables contributing to the employees’ health and cons tituting the idea of health promotion at the workplace, namely health profiles and Corporate Social Responsibility. It is argued who may benefit from workplace physical activities and to which extent such programs may succeed. Interviews showed double points of views according to the necessity to encourage employees to train within the organization. Basis for the discussion of the topic were interviews gained from the interaction with the staff of the organization Xylem located in Sweden in Emmaboda, a world leader in water solutions. The chosen methodology based on the case study appeared to be the most relevant to explore health issues thanks to the clear empirical example. The company was distinguished because of the sport and rehabilitation centre, which it had in its possession and which seemed to make Xylem be different from the competitors and gave advantages for the employees in the form of additional benefits causing going in for sport at the company’s expense. The results of the research indicate that health promotion at the workplace may be viewed as a part of Corporate Social Responsibility. The evidences for IV that perspective are presented with a proper motivation mostly in the conclusion part. The research intended to show to the readers to what extent health promotion at the workplace incorporating physical activities, health profiles and CSR is important, how it is regarded and how much attention, time and efforts is and should be devoted to deal with that dimension in a proper way.
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McFadden, Taylor. "Mental Health, Physical Activity Participation and Physical Activity Recommendation Habits of Medical Students." Thesis, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/41854.
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The purpose of this doctoral dissertation was to investigate the relationships between mental health and physical activity participation of medical students, as well as their confidence, motivation and frequency in recommending physical activity in future medical practice. Moreover, this thesis involved the implementation and evaluation of a peer support walking intervention aimed at improving the mental health and physical activity participation of medical students. Two separate studies were conducted, including a cross-sectional correlational survey administered to medical students in all four years at three Canadian Universities (Study One; Articles One, Two and Three) and a single-subject study testing the impact of a two-month peer support walking intervention delivered to first and second year medical students at two Canadian universities (Study Two; Articles Four and Five). Article One examined relationships between physical activity, including mild and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and mental health profiles in a sample of Canadian medical students using latent profile analysis. Three distinct mental health profiles emerged (low, moderate and high ratings of mental health) and individuals in the high mental health profile reported engaging in more mild physical activity than MVPA. Article Two investigated the underlying mechanism(s) contributing to frequency in recommending physical activity, to provide insight into how we can increase physical activity recommendations in future practice as physicians. Findings showed positive relationships between medical students’ physical activity levels and their frequency recommending physical activity to patients. Results also revealed that medical students are significantly more motivated than they are confident to recommend physical activity to patients and only 52% of student participants were aware of and accurately able to recall the Canadian physical activity guidelines. Article Three examined demographic differences in medical students’ motivation and confidence to recommend physical activity to future patients. Results revealed differences according to gender, year of study and academic background. For instance, second year students were more motivated to assess a patients’ level of physical activity compared to third and fourth year students. Article Four evaluated the impact of a two-month peer support walking intervention aimed at improving the mental health and physical activity participation of first and second year medical students using the RE-AIM framework. Findings showed that the peer support walking intervention was delivered as intended and may be an important proactive strategy for maintaining mental health and physical activity levels of medical students during stressful situations, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, Article Five offered evidence-based strategies for conducting mental health research in medical professionals to optimize recruitment, engagement and retention. Ten strategies were provided to help inform the planning of future research aiming to support the mental health of medical professionals, including students. Taken altogether, findings from this dissertation show that peer support and incorporating mild physical activity may be an effective strategy to offer within medical student wellness programs. Additionally, results highlight the need to expand the medical curriculum to include physical activity education in order to prepare students to recommend physical activity to patients in future medical practice as an important preventive and therapeutic strategy for several chronic illnesses.
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Puig, i. Ribera Anna. "Physical activity promotion in the Catalan primary health care system : an exploratory study." Thesis, University of Bristol, 2002. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.271851.
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Kock, Sue-Anne Claire. "Physical activity and other selected health promoting behaviours of university students living with HIV." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020119.
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Southern Africa has the highest prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in the world. With a high prevalence of HIV, as well as a rising incidence of chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDLs), South Africa is faced with the dual burden of infectious diseases and CDLs. Health promoting behaviours (HPBs), including physical activity (PA), maintaining good nutrition and taking responsibility for personal health, play an important role in managing the symptoms of HIV infection and the side effects of antiretroviral (ARV) use. Additionally HPBs improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in people living with HIV (PLWHIV). Furthermore, research indicates that HPBs should be encouraged among university students as they will become the future decision and policy makers in their places of employment. This study sought to determine the PA levels, HPBs and HRQOL of university students living with HIV, in order to better promote PA participation and HPBs in this population. Additionally, participants‘ perceptions of and attitudes towards exercise participation were investigated, as were barriers that mitigated against PA participation and HPBs. This study was exploratory-descriptive in nature and utilised a mixed methods design. The University Campus Health Clinic (CHC) staff recruited 29 HIV positive students (HIVPS) between the ages of 18 and 25 through purposive sampling. In the quantitative portion of the study the HIVPS completed a demographic questionnaire as well as three self-administered questionnaires, namely: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Health-promoting Lifestyle Profile (version 2, HPLP-II) and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Brief Questionnaire (WHOQOL-HIV-BREF) to determine PA levels, health-promoting lifestyle behaviours and HRQOL, respectively. Height and weight, as well as the most recent CD4 count were also recorded.
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Ulbrich, Sherri. "A stage-based community intervention to promote physical activity in healthy adults." free to MU campus, to others for purchase free online, 2002. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/preview?3052224.
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Titze, Sylvia [Verfasser]. "Promotion of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity : An Individual, Social, and Environmental Approach / Sylvia Titze." Aachen : Shaker, 2003. http://d-nb.info/1179023021/34.
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Brinker, Jeffrey Scott. "Academic incentives impact on increasing seventh -graders physical activity during leisure time." ScholarWorks, 2008. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/647.
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Recent research clearly demonstrates that a decrease of physical activity has occurred among young people. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine the impact of external motivation on physical activity. Drawn from self-determination theory, the specific research question examined if academic incentives effectively motivated 7th grade students to participate in a 3-week fitness program. A quasi-experimental pre-post design examined treatment and control groups drawn from a sample of 24 students from three physical education classes. The treatment group received academic incentives whereas the control group received no external incentives but were asked to complete the same fitness Program. Independent-sample t-test of the physical activity section of the 2005 Youth Risk Behavior System Survey (YRBS) revealed no group differences on the posttest. Dependent-sample tests indicated little pretest-posttest change in YRBS scores, leading to the conclusion the academic incentive had no major effect on students' motivation to be physically active outside the school environment. This research contributes to positive social change by provided additional insight into what motivates or does not motivate 7th graders to be physically active.
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Cull, Brooke J. "Youth wellness promotion for development of positive dietary and physical activity behaviors." Diss., Kansas State University, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/35734.
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Doctor of PhilosophyDepartment of Human Nutrition
Sara Rosenkranz
This dissertation examined the impact of wellness-promotion interventions on health-related behaviors in youth, including dietary intake and physical activity (PA) levels. Additionally, the impact of wellness-promotion interventions on health-promoting opportunities for youth in an out-of-school setting was investigated. In study 1 (Chapter 2), the feasibility and preliminary impact of a 12-week, home-based wellness coaching intervention for changes in behavioral, psychosocial, and biomedical outcomes in normal-weight female children was evaluated. The two intervention conditions included a general health education condition, and one that implemented skills-building components in the areas of PA and healthy eating. Results showed that both intervention conditions were feasible and well-accepted by participants. There were no changes in the behavioral outcomes of PA levels or fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption, but girls who received the skills-building coaching condition showed an increase in emotional quality of life and a reduction in body fat percentage. Findings suggested that a home-based wellness coaching intervention was feasible and was potentially effective for impacting psychosocial and biomedical outcomes in normal-weight female children. Study 2 (Chapter 3) examined the impact of Girl Scout leader wellness training on implementation of wellness-promoting practices and opportunities for girls during troop meetings. This study compared the effectiveness of in-person versus online leader wellness training, specifically assessing opportunities for wellness-promoting behaviors, including FV consumption and PA during meetings. Study results indicated that leaders who received the wellness training in person increased their implementation of wellness-promoting practices significantly more than those who received the wellness training in an online format. Analyses regarding dissemination revealed that adoption of wellness-training principles occurred in approximately 43% of troop leaders, and that lower-income leaders were more interested in receiving the wellness training, as compared to higher-income leaders. Overall, results indicated that in-person wellness training was effective for improving wellness-promoting opportunities for girls, but a more cost-effective and further-reaching training method was needed for a larger public health impact. Therefore, study 3 (Chapter 4) evaluated the impact of online, video-based wellness training on Girl Scout leaders’ wellness-promotion self-efficacy, intention, and knowledge. These factors are established determinants of behavior change, including offering opportunities in the areas of PA and FV consumption. Results showed that leaders who received the video-based wellness training had a significant increase in self-efficacy for overcoming barriers related to PA and FV practices, as well as increased self-efficacy for offering vegetables during troop meetings. Both groups showed increased intention for offering both fruit and vegetable opportunities during upcoming meetings. These results showed that online, video-based wellness training was effective for impacting determinants of behavior change in Girl Scout troop leaders, which may improve the wellness opportunities for girls during troop meetings. Overall, the findings from this dissertation collectively contribute to the existing literature by providing evidence regarding effective interventions for improving wellness-promoting opportunities and experiences for youth. If disseminated and implemented widely, evidence-based interventions and practices similar to those discussed within this dissertation may lead to improvements in health-related behaviors among youth, increased wellness-promoting opportunities, and ultimately have a positive impact on population health.
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Hemmingsson, Erik. "Physical activity in the severely obese : studies on measurement and promotion /." Stockholm, 2007. http://diss.kib.ki.se/2007/978-91-7357-162-3/.
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Miller, Sarah A. "Fostering Organizational Wellbeing: A Longitudinal Examination of Physical and Attitudinal Correlates in Worksite Health Promotion." OpenSIUC, 2010. https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/dissertations/211.
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The current investigation was designed as an evaluation of a worksite health promotion program with the goal of examining its effectiveness in terms of physical and attitudinal changes over the course of a 12-month evaluation. Because of the call for counseling psychologists to examine health through an interdisciplinary lens, the study examined variables from a variety of disciplines including health psychology, vocational psychology, occupational health, and positive psychology. Using a pretest-posttest design, employees completed measures of job satisfaction, career optimism, perceived stress, optimism, absenteeism, and Presenteeism (on the job productivity). In addition, health screening information was compared from the onset to the completion of the evaluation to determine if health factors improved at the organizational level over time. Results indicated that employees did not significantly improve in terms of health indicators (e.g., cholesterol levels, weight loss), levels of job satisfaction, career optimism, or perceived stress. In addition, results revealed no significant relationship between initial optimism levels and either health or psychological outcomes. Potential explanations for the lack of significant results is discussed including the economic climate in which the evaluation occurred, as well as cultural and organizational issues that may have contributed to a lack of improvement in wellness.
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Mat, Rosly Maziah Binti. "Health and leisure time physical activity promotion through exergaming for individuals with spinal cord injury." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/18888.
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This thesis comprised of six critical studies divided into three phases, which evaluated the context, explored available alternatives to exercise and sought to improve the unsettling scenario of “sedentary” lifestyles among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). In the first phase, descriptive information on moderate to vigorous exercises and its associated barriers to participation were extracted among community-dwelling SCI. The approach used non-invasive instruments (validated questionnaires) which allowed description of activities and the associated barriers in large epidemiological studies. The second phase, sought to explore and provide a scientifically grounded alternative to exercise termed “exergaming” (a combination of exercise and gaming with body movements) for this population in the form of a systematic review and a pilot study. The third and final phase of the thesis involved comparing exergaming to conventional exercise counterparts whilst finding directions for improvement.
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Rahotep, Simone S. "The relationship between motivational interviewing, intrinsic motivation and physical activity in an African American church population." unrestricted, 2008. http://etd.gsu.edu/theses/available/etd-12292008-131407/.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Georgia State University, 2008.Title from file title page. Gregory L. Brack, committee chair; Catherine Brack, Ken Resnicow, Roger Weed, Jeffrey S. Ashby, committee members. Description based on contents viewed Feb. 22, 2010. Includes bibliographical references.
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Dai, Chia-Liang. "Evaluation of an Afterschool Obesity Prevention Program: Children's Healthy Eating and Exercise Program." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1406810233.
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Tanmina, Azad. "Promotion of Physical Activities of NightShift Nurses with Gamification : A Study of Investigating of Physical Activity among Night Shift Nurses and PromotingGamification." Thesis, KTH, Medicinteknik och hälsosystem, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-290600.
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This study shows the investigation of physical activeness among the nurses whowork in night shifts in hospitals and motivates them to do physical activities in theform of gamification in their working place. A qualitative approach is applied forgathering the data in the form of interviewing nurses to inquiry the problems andtried to find out the real opinions and scenarios related with physical inactivenessbased on the nurse’s interpretation. Working-time, working-loads, leisure-time,behaviors towards physical activity, laziness, less knowledge about voluntarymovements are coming out from the findings of this study. This paper suggests someactions such as walking, doing physical exercises, playing games etc. to encouragenurses to do more physical activities in a fun way in the workplace. A fun game,called ‘Healthy steps’ is designed based on the suggested actions in the form ofgamification is presented in this paper to promote physical activity at workplace andto encourage the nurses to participate lo lead a healthy lifestyle.Denna studie visar undersökningen av fysisk aktivitet bland sjuksköterskorna somarbetar på nattskift på sjukhus och motiverar dem att göra fysiska aktiviteter i formav gamification på sin arbetsplats. En kvalitativ metod tillämpas för att samla in datai form av intervjuande sjuksköterskor för att undersöka problemen och försökte tareda på de verkliga åsikterna och scenarierna relaterade till fysisk inaktivitet baseratpå sjuksköterskans tolkning. Arbetstid, arbetsbelastning, fritid, beteende mot fysiskaktivitet, lathet, mindre kunskap om frivilliga rörelser kommer fram från resultatenfrån denna studie. Denna uppsats föreslår några åtgärder som att gå, göra fysiskaövningar, spela spel etc. för att uppmuntra sjuksköterskor att göra mer fysiskaaktiviteter på ett roligt sätt på arbetsplatsen. Ett roligt spel, kallat ‘Healthy steps’ ärutformat baserat på de föreslagna åtgärderna i form av gamification, presenteras idenna uppsats för att främja fysisk aktivitet på arbetsplatsen och för att uppmuntrasjuksköterskorna att delta för att leva en hälsosam livsstil.
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Catchings, Myralynn B. "The Effects of an Integrated Health and Physical Education Program on Student Achievement." ScholarWorks, 2011. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/968.
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In recent years, several schools have addressed the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 by focusing on promoting skill acquisition in reading and math, often overlooking physical education (PE) as a significant part of a child's education. The purpose of this causal-comparative study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated health and physical education (HPE) program on student achievement. This study was grounded in action-based learning theories. The research question examined differences in posttest scores, adjusted for pretest differences, from 204 freshman students enrolled in a Biology-1 class at an urban high school. Students in Group A were enrolled in Biology-1 and an HPE class that incorporates Biology-1 content. Students in Group B were enrolled in Biology-1 but were not in a HPE class; thus, they did not participate in the integrated HPE program. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to determine whether the integrated PE program increased student achievement in Biology-1. The findings showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups (p < .05). The Biology-1 students who participated in the integrated HPE program scored significantly higher on the Biology-1 state test than the Biology-1 students who did not participate in the integrated HPE program. These results may influence educational decisions regarding the use of HPE by encouraging serious consideration of an integrated HPE program, which could enhance student achievement, thus promoting positive social change.
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Kemel, Paul. "Virtual streetgames : a mixed methods study exploring the delivery of an online youth physical activity program." Thesis, Federation University of Australia, 2021. http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/177158.
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Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic there was already considerable concern relating to the declining physical activity rates of adolescents and young adults seen across the world. The COVID-19 pandemic, along with the various corresponding social distancing and lockdown guidelines, has further exacerbated these concerns. The utilisation of various forms of technology to maintain and encourage a degree of social connectedness during these timeframes sparked a degree of creativity in how our usual ways of interacting could be modified to the unique social-political circumstances. One such example is the youth community physical activity program Latrobe Streetgames, who adapted their program to be delivered across a range of social media platforms. A mixed methods study was conducted to help understand the impact that the adapted online program had on its participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the study highlight the negative impact that the various COVID-19 lockdowns had on the target population, and while the ability to maintain some degree of social-physical intractability via the modified Latrobe Streetgames delivery was beneficial, it likely did not outweigh the negative impact of the lockdowns itself. Therefore, as the world moves pasts the pandemic, an emphasis needs to be placed on ensuring that youth physical activity is promoted in order to combat the acquired negative health effects relating to physical, mental and social health.Masters by Research
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Cappe, Shauna. "Social Barriers to Physical Activity for Individuals with Physical Disabilities." Thèse, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/23339.
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The purpose of this thesis was to explore socially constructed discursive barriers to physical activity for people with physical disabilities. This research was informed by a critical disability studies framework. Eight interviews were conducted, split between end-users and stakeholders. The end-user article discusses their perspectives with regard to their own PA participation, their use of PA resources, and their views of how disability is constructed. The stakeholder article deals with their views with regard to Canada’s progress in creating inclusive PA guidelines, the research process as it effects people with physical disabilities, and how disability is constructed. The results showed awareness among both groups of the social model of disability, but that the medical model is still firmly rooted. Work is needed to create inclusive promotional materials and disseminate them effectively. An effective advocacy and lobbying effort was suggested as one avenue towards a possible solution to this issue.
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Pillay, Julian. "Steps that count! : the use of pedometry for physical activity and health promotion in South Africa." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/3193.
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Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references.
Pedometers have been demonstrated as a practical tool for measurement and motivation of ambulatory physical activity, typically providing information on volume of steps/day. Recent developments in steps/day research have, however, emphasised the importance of intensity-based steps as part of steps/day recommendations. Such steps/day recommendations are also directed towards current physical activity guidelines, so as to provide further options for achieving guidelines. To complement these developments in steps/day recommendations, technological advancements in pedometry afford the opportunity to provide information on intensity-based steps/day. We therefore use this application to provide further insight into the association between pedometer-based physical activity and fitness and health outcomes. Particular reference is made to intensity-based steps/day, through a series of studies.
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Korber, Anna Katharina [Verfasser]. "Economic aspects of health promotion and primary prevention – the example of physical activity / Anna Katharina Korber." München : Verlag Dr. Hut, 2016. http://d-nb.info/1103872265/34.
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Rachele, Jerome Nikolaos. "School-based physical activity programs for adolescent wellness improvement : an investigation of the association between wellness and physical activity." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2014. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/71809/1/Jerome_Rachele_Thesis.pdf.
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This thesis by publication included seven manuscripts that advanced contemporary understanding of the association between physical activity and wellness among adolescents. The findings suggested that due to potential interrelatedness between various aspects of wellness, changes in physical activity may also influence co-existing wellness domains; highlighting the potential for physical activity interventions to have a broad range of benefits among youth. These findings also added to the body of literature supporting the potential inclusion of physical activity as a component within multifaceted youth wellness programs. Findings reported in this thesis have implications for those seeking to initiate youth wellness interventions.
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Callahan, Julia P. "DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF PARENTS' AND GUARDIANS' PERCEIVED BARRIERS TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA." MSSTATE, 2008. http://sun.library.msstate.edu/ETD-db/theses/available/etd-03312008-193809/.
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Understanding of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors toward health issues, such as physical inactivity, within certain populations are often studied to design programs and interventions specific to communities. A total of six elementary schools were chosen in the Mississippi Delta, two elementary schools within three school districts, to provide a deeper understanding of barriers to physical activity. Forty-four parents and guardians of elementary aged children participated in focus groups to discuss current physical activity levels and factors impacting and limiting local childrens physical activity levels. The most frequently reported barriers were environmental issues such as fear of childrens safety, lack of resources, and individual and social constraints such as time, parental influences, and television viewing. Concerns about safety and violence were the most frequently mentioned issues among participants. Collection through other methods of research is needed to further understand and assess the problems faced in this region.
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Cartwright, Amanda R. "Physical activity and its association with selected dietary behaviors." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2001. http://www.oregonpdf.org.
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Thesis (M.S.)--University of North Texas, 2001.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 26-32). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.
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Menapace, Kurt A. "Analysis of variables in predicting participation in health/wellness promotion programs : person-environment fit and quality of life." Virtual Press, 1992. http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/834611.
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The purpose of this study was to better understand how an individual's quality of life and person-environment fit effect participation in health/wellness programs. A previous study (Nicholas, 1990) on person-environment fit provided a data pool to assess quality life. Faculty, professional personnel, staff personnel, and service personnel at Ball State University completed 230 Work Environment Scale (WES) Real and Ideal Forms and 158 quality of life questionnaires and personal profile forms. One hundred fifty-eight sets of data were used in this study. Chi-square analysis of demographic variables found significant differences between age groups and occupational categories in their tendency to participate. Multivariate analysis of variance of quality of life and person-environment fit score means found that neither could predict participation as Pillais F value was not significant. Pearson r correlation coefficients found significance between quality of life and person-environment fit scores. Stepwise multiple regression of quality of life concern measures found only the concern related to personal health as a predictor of participation. The results of this study do not conclusively support a relationship between either quality of life or person-environment fit and participation. Further study is recommended.Institute for Wellness
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Grace, Jeanne Martin. "The effect of a physical and combined health promotion intervention programme on some selected health indicators of South African Colliery Executives / Jeanne Martin Grace (néé Schabort)." Thesis, North-West University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/1350.
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Conklin, Sarah B. "High School Teacher and Administrator Perceptions of Student Health Promotion: An Exploratory Study." VCU Scholars Compass, 2015. http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/3958.
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The current study explored the high school health promotion environment with regards to physical activity, nutrition, and sedentary behaviors from the perspective of high school health and physical education teachers and administrators. Specifically, potential strategies for a prevention program to promote student physical activity participation and healthy eating, and decrease student sedentary time were explored.
Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with physical education teachers to explore potential strategies to promote student health behaviors. Next, interviews were conducted with high school administrators to determine the feasibility of recommended strategies. Teachers and administrators in the current study expressed a need for strategies that target student health at the high school level; however, educators felt taxed and overburdened, and cited the current state of public education as a barrier to implementing strategies. Additional barriers to implementing health-based strategies included funding, transportation, supervision, facilities, and logistics or regulations. Participants explained the school lunch program has improved, with schools now offering healthier food. Unfortunately, the perceived number of students buying lunches has decreased and educators still feel the lunch options could be improved.
Although there were many barriers to implementing the extracurricular initiatives discussed, the following strategies were considered the most feasible by teachers and administrators in the current study: intramurals, open gym times, fitness classes or group exercise classes, fitness apps, and improving the school lunches. Teachers and administrators held mixed views about policy changes that have the greatest potential to influence student health behaviors. Educators called for parent and community partnerships to help overcome the hurdles associated with implementing extracurricular school-based health activities. Findings illustrated the necessity of a multi-faceted approach to implementing health-based strategies at the high school level.
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Ek, Amanda. "Promoting public health by Physical activity on Prescription, with focus on organized exercise." Thesis, Nordic School of Public Health NHV, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:norden:org:diva-3118.
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Background: Insufficient physical activity is a public health problem. Nordic healthcare professionals use physical activity on prescription (PaP) to increase physical activity. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PaP that includes organized exercise. Method: Prospective data was obtained from four Swedish counties during fall 2009 and spring 2010. The study population comprised 98 patients whose healthcare professional prescribed PaP to prevent or treat disease. Questionnaires administered at baseline, three and six months after initiating PaP evaluated self-reported physical activity levels, adherence, factors influencing adherence, and experience of PaP. Results: Although the majority of patients receiving PaP including organized exercise are middle-age women, there are a wide distribution regarding e.g., age, socioeconomic status and reason of receiving PaP. Most participants received initial support from healthcare providers and activity organizers, and most were satisfied with the support they got. Approximately 70% participated in several activities at all measuring points. Although PaP including organized exercise increased activity levels only marginally, sedentary behavior decreased significantly. Six months after initiating PaP including organized exercise, 68% adhered to the prescribed physical activity level. Most participants deemed PaP including organized exercise a good method for becoming physically active. However, there is a need for regularly and longer support. Importantly, individualized instruction, adjusted exercise regimens, and support from other participants provide positive reinforcement. On the other hand, PaP with organized exercise imposes additional costs and decreases flexibility including both time commitment and scheduling constraints. Conclusion: Adherence levels to PaP with organized exercise are similar to those achieved by other chronic disease treatments. PaP including organized exercise can decrease sedentary behavior, an important factor in promoting public health in the Nordic countries.ISBN 978-91-86739-16-4
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Esakia, Andria. "Smartwatch Centered System for Facilitating Group Processes of Small Teams in a Statewide Health Promotion Program." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/84850.
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Physical inactivity is a major cause of disease in the United States and globally. Effective physical activity interventions often use community based approaches due to the demonstrated effectiveness of combining individual and group based behavioral strategies towards encouraging physical activity behaviors and influencing social norms. Such interventions can increase their impact by adopting technology based solutions to facilitate the underlying behavioral strategies. Current technologies for persuading physical activity primarily focus on facilitating the individual level behavioral strategies and de-emphasize the interpersonal aspects. This dissertation focuses on the development and evaluation of technology that is aimed at facilitating group dynamics-based strategies for promoting physical activity within small socially connected teams. This dissertation introduces a multi-component smartwatch-centered system (FitAware) that uses sensors to automatically track physical activity and leverages the advantages of the watch form factor to facilitate both group and individual level behavioral strategies via non-interruptive, glanceable, and frequent feedback updates. This manuscript describes the design and evaluation of FitAware in the context of an 8 week statewide physical activity community-based intervention, culminating in guidelines for system development that have been tested in educational settings.Ph. D.
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Cornelius-Averhart, Darrlyn Waynette. "Physical and Psychological Health Outcomes of Pregnancy-Related Intimate Partner Violence." ScholarWorks, 2018. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/6192.
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Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health issue that transcends cultures and nationalities. Women and men have been impacted by sexual violence through rape and other types of IPV. Each year, women experience IPV before and during pregnancies and are impacted by physical and psychological outcomes as a result. The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of IPV on the health outcomes of diabetes (Types 1, 2, and gestational), high blood pressure before pregnancy, and depression/anxiety among adult women before and during pregnancy. The social ecological model provided the framework for this quantitative cross-sectional study that included national data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System between 2012 and 2015. A series of binary logistic regressions was conducted. Findings indicated significant predictive relationships between IPV and diabetes before pregnancy (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.01-1.43), high blood pressure before pregnancy (OR = 1.65, 95% CI =1.47-1.85), and depression/anxiety before and during pregnancy, respectively (OR = 3.14, 95% CI 2.91-3.35 and OR = 9.03, 95% CI 7.37-11.05) after controlling for age, income, and race. A social change implication of this study is that results from this project may assist in increasing societal knowledge of what IPV is and its physical and psychological impacts on women before and during pregnancy.
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Nanga, Ndzana Stella Francoise. "Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, Physical Activity, and Colorectal Cancer Among African Americans." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/7829.
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a deadly and costly cancer, especially among African Americans. The purpose of this quantitative, retrospective, cross-sectional study was to examine African Americans' health behaviors that may have an association with CRC. The Health Belief Model was used to guide this study. The study addressed whether there is a statistical association between fruit intake, vegetable intake, and physical activity, and the occurrence of CRC while controlling for confounders, such as body mass index, smoking status, and income level. After conducting an overall analysis, the final research question examined if the association varied by race. In this study, data from 14,451 people in the Health Information National Trends Survey database were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis. There was no association between the intake of fruits and vegetables and the occurrence of CRC in this population. Physical activity had a statistically significant association with CRC, with physical activity being protective against the occurrence of CRC among the whole sample population (adjusted OR = .671, 95% CI = [.458-983], p = .040). When stratified by race the association between Physical activity and CRC was only significant among Whites. The findings of this study have positive social change implications for practitioners designing CRC prevention programs, who should focus on increasing physical activity levels yielding healthier living in general. Future research should focus on addressing other possible risk factors in the African American population including genetic predispositions and gene-environment interactions.
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Enwald, H. (Heidi). "Tailoring health communication:the perspective of information users' health information behaviour in relation to their physical health status." Doctoral thesis, Oulun yliopisto, 2013. http://urn.fi/urn:isbn:9789526202792.
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Abstract The aim of this thesis was twofold: firstly, to increase understanding about the user of health information; namely about differences of users´ characteristics of health information behaviour, and secondly, to contribute to the research on factors that could be used as bases to tailor health information. Health information behaviour was scrutinised as information needs and seeking and information use in particular. It was also studied in relation to individuals´ physical health status. More studies on information use are needed, because understanding individual characteristics in issues related to information use has been considered critical for promoting healthy behaviours. Moreover, the thesis addressed the gap in research on the relationship between health information behaviour and tailoring health information. The thesis consists of three empirical studies and a literature review. The empirical research environments were provided by an intervention study aiming to prevent type 2 diabetes among a high risk population and by a population-based study among military conscription aged men. The setting was the City of Oulu in Northern Finland with the University of Oulu and the Oulu Deaconess Institute as the main operators of the studies. The empirical data were collected through questionnaires as well as through physiological and biochemical measurements during years 2010 and 2011. The data were analysed with statistical methods. Moreover, a literature review of tailored interventions studies using a computer as the medium of delivery in the context of physical activity, nutrition and weight management, was conducted. The findings indicate differences in health information users´ characteristics related to their information use as such and in relation to the indicators of their physical health status. It is suggested that, for example, health information presentation could be tailored on the basis of found differences and different message strategies and tactics could be used for different kinds of individuals. In addition, in the literature review the biases of tailored intervention studies stood out as influential on their outcomes. The thesis contributes to the current field of research on both health information behaviour and tailoring health communication. Moreover, the findings can support the development of more effective health promotion programs and intervention studiesTiivistelmä Väitöskirjatutkimukseni tavoitteena on lisätä ymmärrystä terveystiedon käyttäjistä ja erityisesti heidän terveysinformaatiokäyttäytymiseensä liittyvistä ominaisuuksista. Tutkimukseni tuottaa tietoa tekijöistä, joita voidaan käyttää terveystiedon räätälöinnin lähtökohtana. Terveysinformaatiokäyttäytymistä tarkastelen tiedontarpeiden ja -hankinnan sekä erityisesti tiedon käytön näkökulmasta. Informaatiokäyttäytymistä tutkitaan myös suhteessa tiedon käyttäjän fyysiseen terveydentilaan. Tutkimukseni vastaa tarpeeseen tutkia tiedon käyttäjiä, sillä tiedon käyttöön liittyvien yksilöllisten ominaisuuksien ymmärtäminen on keskeistä terveyden edistämisessä. Väitöskirja tuottaa uutta tietoa myös informaatiokäyttäytymisen ja terveystiedon räätälöinnin välisestä suhteesta. Väitöskirjani käsittää neljä osajulkaisua: kolme empiiristä tutkimusta ja kirjallisuuskatsauksen. Empiiriset tutkimukset toteutettiin tyypin 2 diabeteksen ehkäisyyn tähtäävän interventiotutkimuksen (PreDiabEx) ja väestöpohjaisen tutkimuksen (MOPO) tarjoamissa tutkimusympäristöissä. Tutkimusten kohteina olivat miehet ja naiset, joiden riski sairastua tyypin 2 diabetekseen oli korkea sekä kutsuntaikäiset miehet. Tutkimukset toteutettiin Oulussa ja päätoteuttajia olivat Oulun yliopisto ja Oulun Diakonissalaitos. Empiirinen aineisto kerättiin kyselyillä sekä fysiologisilla ja biokemiallisilla terveydentilaa ilmaisevilla mittareilla vuosien 2010 ja 2011 aikana. Aineisto analysoitiin tilastollisesti. Kirjallisuuskatsauksessa analysoidaan fyysisen aktiivisuuden, ravitsemuksen ja painonhallinnan interventiotutkimuksia, joissa tarkastellaan terveystiedon räätälöinnin vaikuttavuutta silloin, kun tiedonvälitykseen käytetään tietokonetta. Empiiristen tutkimusten tulokset viittaavat siihen, että niin terveystiedonkäyttäjien ominaisuuksissa informaatiokäyttäytymisessä kuin sen suhteessa heidän fyysisen terveydentilaansa on eroja. Terveystietoa tulisikin esittää eri tavoin erilaisille ihmisille, muun muassa erilaisia viestistrategioita ja -taktiikoita käyttäen. Kirjallisuuskatsauksen tulokset lisäsivät ymmärrystä siitä, miten tutkimusasetelman vinoumat voivat vaikuttaa interventiotutkimusten tuloksiin
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Harris, Tamiera S. "Leisure Time Physical Activities of Older Adults in Senior Housing." ScholarWorks, 2018. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/5199.
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Increasing physical activity levels of older adults is a public health priority given the associated risks with sedentary lifestyles. Exercise such as walking may positively affect older adults as they age decreasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, or death. The purpose of this study was to examine physical activities of older adults in senior housing and to determine if age correlates with the amount of physical activity. Physical activity studies on older adults are limited due to time and resources. The health belief model and transtheoretical model frames this study theorizing that older adults will take positive steps towards achieving recommended physical activities based on their perceived threats and benefits. A correlational research design provided systematic information about physical activities of older adults in senior housing and aided in determining if age relates to the amount of physical activity. The study used a convenience sampling of 62 older adults in senior housing and data collected from the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors questionnaire. The make-up of the sample included 36 females and 26 males aged 65 to 84 years old. The age of older adults in a senior housing community is not related to the amount of physical activity completed per week. The results of the descriptive analyses show that 53% of older adults in senior housing are not meeting physical activity guidelines of at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. However, this is not statistically significant since all p-values for physical activity are greater than .05% level of significance at .776. Additional services such as providing leisure activity support to older adults through peer monitoring or adequate recreational facilities in the community can aid in helping older adults achieve physical activity recommendations.
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Sollerhed, Ann-Christin. "Young today - adult tomorrow studies on physical status, physical activity, attitudes, and self-perception in children and adolescents /." Doctoral thesis, Lund : Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 2006. http://theses.lub.lu.se/postgrad/search.tkl?field_query1=pubid&query1=med_1292&recordformat=display.
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Lau, Yuen Yan. "An investigation of using internet website, email and SMS on promoting physical activitiy in Hong Kong Chinese adolescents." HKBU Institutional Repository, 2009. http://repository.hkbu.edu.hk/etd_ra/1087.
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Malambo, Pasmore. "The physical needs of the elderly with regard to physiotherapy services in the Livingstone District, Zambia." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2005. http://etd.uwc.ac.za/index.php?module=etd&.
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The purpose of this study was to identify the physical needs of the elderly with regard to physiotherapy services in the Livingstone district in Zambia. The objectives were to determine the knowledge of the elderly on the role of physiotherapy in the care of the elderlythe barriers to utilization of the services
the prevalence of physical problems and it also examined associations between education, knowledge and utilization of physiotherapy services in the district.
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Michelini, Enrico [Verfasser], and Ansgar [Akademischer Betreuer] Thiel. "The Role of Sport in Health-Related Promotion of Physical Activity. The Perspective of the Health System / Enrico Michelini ; Betreuer: Ansgar Thiel." Tübingen : Universitätsbibliothek Tübingen, 2013. http://d-nb.info/1162444789/34.
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Carney, Rebekah. "The physical health and lifestyle of young people at ultra-high risk for psychosis." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2017. https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/the-physical-health-and-lifestyle-of-young-people-at-ultrahigh-risk-for-psychosis(ff29b990-1aee-4968-9e65-196d11cdae57).html.
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The findings of this PhD provide a significant contribution to early intervention research. The ability to detect those at ultra-high risk for psychosis (UHR) has been made possible in recent years. It is well known that people with serious mental illness have poor physical health, yet prior to this PhD little was known about the physical health of UHR individuals. This PhD explores the physical health and lifestyle of the UHR group, and makes recommendations for the development of a physical health intervention. A range of methods have been used including quantitative and qualitative methods, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and a clinical audit. Therefore, a multifaceted approach to investigate the physical health and lifestyle of UHR individuals has been taken. Papers 1-3 suggest UHR individuals are more likely to live an unhealthy lifestyle than their peers. This includes lower levels of physical activity, and higher levels of substance use (generally cannabis, tobacco and alcohol). Paper 4 contains a clinical audit showing physical health and lifestyle factors are not monitored routinely in early detection services, despite the UHR phase being an ideal opportunity to intervene. Living an unhealthy lifestyle can have a detrimental effect on physical and mental health. Papers 1-4 emphasise the need to intervene to promote a healthy lifestyle for the UHR group. In line with the Medical Research Guidelines for the development of complex interventions, a theoretical model is applied in Paper 5. The final paper presents a qualitative study with UHR individuals, their parents and clinicians to explore barriers and facilitators to living a healthy lifestyle and inform the development of a physical health intervention. A final evidence synthesis includes recommendations for future work and the clinical implications of this thesis. The findings of this PhD provide an important and timely contribution to early intervention research. Prior to this work, the physical health of UHR individuals had been largely under researched. For the first time, this PhD presents evidence to suggest individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis experience cardiovascular risk, and there is an opportunity to intervene to promote physical health. Although not all UHR individuals will develop psychosis, many will continue to experience difficulties with their mental health. Given that this group are also more likely to live an unhealthy lifestyle, it is important to take a holistic approach to treating those at imminent risk for psychosis, considering both mental and physical health.
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Grace, Jeanne Martin. "Impact of a worksite physical wellness programme on sick leave, absenteeism and health-related fitness." Pretoria : [s.n.], 2001. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-05232007-153642.
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Eubanks, Paula Nobles. "Lived Experiences with Social Networking Technology to Improve Physical Activity." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/6558.
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Research suggests that Black women living in the United States are not engaging in sufficient physical activity, which is a major factor negatively impacting their health outcomes. Black Girls Run (BGR) is a targeted national health movement using the capacity of social networking technology as a tool to interact with and inspire Black women to live healthy through running. Literature lacked the voice and perspective of Black women who were embracing the innovation of technology to positively improve their health behaviors. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to gain a better understanding of the composite experiences of women in BGR and how they utilize social networking technology to improve their physical activity. Social cognitive theory provided the theoretical framework. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 13 women participants of BGR, who were selected using purposive sampling technique. Data were transcribed, organized, analyzed, and coded into common themes with the support of Nvivo 11 software. The findings revealed that social networking served as a tool that the women in BGR used to connect, encourage, and motivate physical activity, and it thereby helped to support their social and physical well-being. Study findings may contribute to positive social change by increasing knowledge and awareness of how technology can be used to promote healthy behaviors among Black women. This study may also provide useful information to stakeholders interested in health promotion strategies and programs to reduce the health disparity gap for Black women in the United States.
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Gulzar, Saleema. "Physical Activity Levels among Young Adolescent Students in Urban Karachi, Pakistan." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2021. https://hdl.handle.net/2123/27412.
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Background
An increase in the burden of disease due to low physical activity has been reported in many countries, including Pakistan. Physical activities are not given priority and are not seen as beneficial for young adolescents' health. The study investigated the physical activity levels of young adolescents in Karachi, Pakistan. The COM-B model provided the framework for examining the challenges, opportunities, and motivating factors related to physical activity.
Study Design
A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected and analysed from adolescents attending a private school in Karachi that functions under the Aga Khan Education Services Network. The quantitative data were used to profile the physical activity of the 6th to 8th grade students. Six hundred and seventy-one adolescents from the ages of 10 to 14 years participated in the survey and a total of eight focus groups were conducted with students, physical education teachers, and parents’ groups. A total of 79 participants participated in FGDs. The BMI of each participant was calculated to profile the sample. The qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions to explore the factors that influence physical activity behaviors. Utilizing Elo & Kyngas's (2008) method of analysis, the qualitative data that could not be aligned with the existing domains of the model used in the study were analyzed through an inductive approach.
Findings
Height, weight, and BMI were measured with a sample of 604 students. The average BMI of young adolescents aged 10-14 years was 18.5 ±4.1 for both the sexes; boys had Mean ± SD, BMI of 18.2 ±4.2, whereas, girls had Mean±SD, BMI of 18.6. ±3.9. The mean height and standard deviation of adolescents were 147.7cm ± 8.8 and the mean weight and the standard deviation was 40.7 kg ± 11.4. Age and BMI category were not associated with physical activity. On a scale of 1 (low physical activity) to 5 (high physical activity), the students reported a mean physical activity score of 3.09 (SD 0.70). Girls had lower physical activity scores than boys in each grade: Grade 6 (p = 01); Grade 7 (p = .01) and Grade 8 (p <.001). The mean levels of physical activity did not change across the 3 grades for all the students (males and females), while for girls, the levels of physical activity dropped across the grades, from Grade 6 to Grade 8 (p = .001) and from Grade 7 to Grade 8 (p <.001). The qualitative findings revealed that there are many impeding and enabling factors influencing adolescents’ PA related to capability, opportunity, and motivation. Further, factors that were rooted in religious as well as cultural norms were evident in the data.
Conclusion
The adolescent students were engaged in moderate levels of physical activities. Physical activity declined for girls as they reached higher grades. Hence, the study revealed that understanding these factors is necessary to promote PA among young adolescent students in a local context. In addition, the BMI of students’ increases with age, however, no association is found between BMI and physical activity.