Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Western lifestyle'

Includes abstract.
Includes bibliographical references.
The aim of this study is to conduct a formative assessment to explore health professionals’ capacity as well as the conditions within primary health care facilities in the Western Cape Metropole that facilitate or impede the provision of lifestyle modification education and counselling to patients with chronic diseases of lifestyle in order to make recommendations for an intervention programme that utilises available resources.

Thesis (Ph.D) -- University of Western Sydney, 2007.
A thesis submitted to the University of Western Sydney, College of Health and Science, School of Nursing, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Includes bibliographical references.

The Western Australian (WA) mining industry directly employs approximately 56,000 people. Almost half work Fly-in/Fly-out commute arrangements (FIFO, e.g. employees living in a city are flown to a remote worksite where they live and work during their work roster) and approximately half work more than 50 hours per week, on average. There are many anecdotal claims that FIFO has negative impacts on WA mining employees, leading to an elevated risk of high stress levels, depression, binge drinking, recreational drug use and relationship break-ups. Previous studies found FIFO can be stressful, and have negative impacts on WA employees 'and partners' lifestyles and relationships. This project investigated the long-term (Study One) and short-term (Study Two) impacts of FIFO and extended working hours on a representative sample of WA FIFO mining employees and partners. In Study One, a total of 222 FIFO and Daily Commute (DC) mining employees and partners completed an anonymous questionnaire investigating long-term impacts on work satisfaction, lifestyle, relationships and health. A subgroup of 32 Study One FIFO employees and partners also participated in Study Two; a detailed study of the short-term impacts of FIFO and extended working hours and how these impacts fluctuate in intensity during the mining roster. Study Two participants completed a diary and provided saliva samples each day throughout a complete mining roster. The main findings of the study were that FIFO and extended working hours had negative impacts on employees work satisfaction and FIFO was frequently reported to be disruptive to employees 'and partners' lifestyle, in the long-term. However, FIFO and extended working hours did not lead to poor quality relationships, high stress levels or poor health, on average in the long-term; there were generally no significant differences in these characteristics between FIFO and DC employees, or between the FIFO sample and the wider community. There were minor differences between FIFO and DC employees in long-term health characteristics, and Study One employees had similar, or in some cases poorer health outcomes than other community samples.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD
The Health Promotion Model provides a theoretical framework exploring the relationships between healthy lifestyle behaviours of individuals. The three behavioral determinants affecting healthy lifestyle behaviours as posited by the model are (i) individual characteristics, (ii) behaviour-specific cognitions and affects, and (iii) behavioural outcomes that promote health. Research indicates that a number of health risk behaviours are established in adolescence and affect health and well-being in later life. In South Africa where young people account for more than 9 million of the population, and with adolescence being a period where the development of health risk behaviours is prevalent, it becomes important to research the associations that aid in healthy lifestyle behaviours of adolescence in this country, particularly in rural communities where research on adolescents remains limited. This study therefore aimed to develop and test a model that examined the effects of the interaction between perceived parenting styles and adolescent decision making styles on healthy lifestyle behaviours of adolescents in the rural Western Cape. The study employed a mixed methodological sequential exploratory design, using (i) systematic reviews and (ii) a quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional research design. Systematic reviews established the associations in existing empirical studies that examined the associations of parenting approaches with (a) healthy lifestyle behaviours and (b) decision making styles. Quantitative data was collected using a self-report questionnaire that consisted of four sections, demographical information, Parenting Style and Dimension Questionnaire, Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II and the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire among 457 Grade 9 learners in the Overberg Education District in the Western Cape, South Africa. The quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences V23 (SPSS) for descriptive and inferential statistics (correlations and multivariate analysis of variance) and the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) for confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The systematic reviews suggested that empirical studies have found parenting approaches to be associated with (i) healthy lifestyle behaviours and (ii) decision making styles of children and adolescents in existing literature. The quantitative studies showed that perceived authoritative parenting, vigilant decision making styles, and frequent engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours were the most prevalent among adolescents in the rural Western Cape. No significant main effects were established on the basis of participant gender or family structure. The model developed and tested, guided by the Health Promotion Model, suggests that a significant positive relationship exists between maternal parenting styles and decision making styles of adolescents. In addition, the findings demonstrated that paternal parenting styles positively affect the decision making styles of adolescents as well as their engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours. Overall, the study suggested the important role that parents play in adolescent decision making styles and healthy lifestyle behaviours, and even more the role of paternal parental figures in the development of children and adolescents.

In this study a process evaluation of the action planning process of the HealthKick programme in disadvantaged primary school settings in the Western Cape was conducted. A qualitative methodology was adopted to best determine the experiences of the participants and the underlying factors involved. Four schools were randomly selected to participate. Four focus group discussions were conducted with educators, and four in-depth interviews were conducted with principals and champions at schools, (champions are either an educator or school governing body member selected to be the driver of the project at each school, as well as the liaison person between the school and the HealthKick project team). Semi-structured interview guides were used to steer the discussions. Interviews and focus groups were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. The data was thematically analysed with the assistance of Atlas ti computer software. The results of this study indicated that the action planning process did not take place as designed by the project team. Several challenges were identified and experienced by participants. The results further indicated that the challenges of time, workload and competing priorities were intrinsically linked. Positive experiences were also reported and various enablers to the process were identified, such as the facilitation process, the receipt of the resource toolkit as well as the complementary nature of the HealthKick curriculum to the normal academic curriculum.

[eng] Introduction: The Mediterranean diet was proved to be beneficial in the prevention and prognosis of chronic diseases. Older adults are the age group with the highest incidence of chronic disease. The study was conducted in Spain and Lebanon. Research content: In Mallorca, the nutritional content of the food consumed by 211 older adults was researched using two non-consecutive recall diets. The mean daily intake of polyphenols was 332.7 mg/d. Polyphenol intake was highest among alcohol drinkers, high educational level, high income, and physically active people Flavonoids were the highest ingested polyphenols. Alcoholic beverages were the major contributors to the total polyphenol intake, mainly red wine. Mean daily intake of lipids was 68.6 g/day. Sex, age and educational level influenced fat intake. MUFA was the highest ingested fatty acid, and “oils & seeds” was the food group with highest contribution to lipid intake; both were in accordance with the Mediterranean diet pattern. However, the fatty acid intake did not abide by the recommendations in Mediterranean older adults. Calcium, copper, magnesium and iron were consumed in quantities lower than DRI. Female sex and an income ≥900euros were associated respectively with an increased and decreased probability of compliance with the DRI on a 5points scale. The intake of minerals should be adjusted to abide by the recommendations. Along with the nutritional content of food, the correlation between age, body composition and biomarker variables on one hand and the physical fitness variables on the other hand were researched. Many physical fitness measurement variables correlated negatively with predictors of cardiovascular disease. Physical fitness might be essential in healthy aging. Overall, 36.8%, 24.5% and 0.3% of participants had low maximum 8-f TUG score, low maximum HGS and sarcopenia, respectively. Prevalence of these low values varies according to sociodemographic and body composition variables. In Lebanon, adherence to Mediterranean diet was assessed in 525 university students and 125 older adults using MEDAS. Among university students, the mean Mediterranean score estimated was 7.96. Men had a slightly higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet than women. Nonsmokers had higher score than those who smoke. 59.05% of the sample had a score lower than adequate adherence but this did not affect their will to participate in research to ameliorate their health. 0.7% of the willingness to change diet depended on the score of adherence to Mediterranean diet and 28.58% of the participants were primarily worried about their health. Stratification of the questionnaire revealed a relatively high spread of olive oil usage in cooking (86.3%) although only 50.3% consume more than 4 teaspoons per day. The percentage of participants consuming food according to the Mediterranean diet standards was higher than 50% except for wine and fish. Positive correlations were found between the different components of MEDAS, in addition the percentage of participants who had an adequate score was higher in non-smokers. Among older adults, mean Mediterranean score estimated was 8.48. Men had a slightly higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet than women. Those who work had a higher adherence to Mediterranean diet than those who don’t. 52% of the sample had a higher score than adequate adherence and the highest percentage of participants who had adequate score were primarily worried about their health and were willing to engage in physical activity, diet and research for a better health. The percentage of participants consuming food according to the Mediterranean diet standards was higher than 50% except for wine and fish. Conclusion: More studies must be conducted to compare between Lebanon and Spain and develop strategies to increase adherence to Mediterranean diet in Lebanon for a better health.
[spa] Introducción: Se ha demostrado que la dieta mediterránea es beneficiosa para la prevención y el pronóstico de las enfermedades crónicas. Los adultos mayores son el grupo de edad con mayor incidencia de enfermedades crónicas. Este estudio se realizó en España y Líbano. Contenido de la investigación: En Mallorca, la composición nutricional de los alimentos consumidos por 211 adultos mayores se investigó utilizando dos recordatorios de 24h en días no consecutivos. La ingesta diaria media de polifenoles fué de 332.7 mg/d. La ingesta de polifenoles fué más alta entre los bebedores de alcohol, alto nivel educativo, altos ingresos y personas físicamente activas. Los flavonoides fueron los polifenoles que se ingirieron en más cantidad. Las bebidas alcohólicas fueron las principales contribuyentes a la ingesta total de polifenoles, principalmente el vino tinto. La ingesta diaria media de lípidos fué de 68.6 g/día. El sexo, la edad y el nivel educativo influyeron en la ingesta de grasas. MUFA fueron el tipo de ácido graso más altamente ingerido, y "aceites y semillas" fué el grupo de alimentos con mayor contribución a la ingesta de lípidos. La ingesta de ácidos grasos no cumplió con las recomendaciones en adultos mayores. El calcio, el cobre, el magnesio y el hierro se consumieron en cantidades inferiores a las IDR. La ingesta de minerales debe ajustarse para cumplir con las recomendaciones. Muchas variables de medición de la aptitud física se correlacionaron negativamente con los predictores de enfermedad cardiovascular. La aptitud física podría ser esencial para un envejecimiento saludable. Se evaluó la condición física y su asociación con los hábitos sociodemográficos, la composición corporal y el estilo de vida. 36.8%, el 24.5% y el 0.3% de los participantes tenían una puntuación TUG máxima inferior a 8-f, un HGS máximo bajo y sarcopenia, respectivamente. En Líbano, se evaluó la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en 525 estudiantes universitarios y en 125 adultos mayores usando el MEDAS. Entre los estudiantes universitarios, la puntuación media estimada de adherencia a la dieta mediterránea fué 7.96. Los hombres tuvieron una adherencia ligeramente mayor a la dieta mediterránea que las mujeres. Los no fumadores tenían una puntuación más alta que aquellos que fuman. El 59,05% de la muestra tenía una puntuación inferior a la adecuada. El 0.7% de la voluntad de cambiar la dieta dependía del grado de adherencia a la dieta mediterránea y el 28.58% de los participantes estaban preocupados principalmente por su salud. La estratificación del cuestionario reveló una difusión relativamente alta del uso de aceite de oliva en la cocina, aunque solo el 50.3% consumía más de 4 cucharaditas por día. El porcentaje de participantes que consumían alimentos de acuerdo con los estándares de la dieta mediterránea era superior al 50% a excepción del vino y el pescado. Se encontraron correlaciones positivas entre los diferentes componentes de MEDAS. Entre los adultos mayores, la puntuación promedio estimada de adherencia a una dieta mediterránea fué de 8.48. Los hombres tenían una adherencia ligeramente mayor a la dieta mediterránea que las mujeres. El 52% de la muestra tenía una puntuación en adherencia superior a la adecuada y la mayor parte de participantes que tenían una puntuación adecuada estaban preocupados principalmente por su salud y estaban dispuestos a participar en intervención para mejorar la salud. El porcentaje de participantes que consumían alimentos de acuerdo con los estándares de la dieta mediterránea fué superior al 50% a excepción del vino y el pescado. Conclusión: Se deben realizar más estudios en el futuro para comparar Líbano y España, así como desarrollar estrategias para aumentar la adherencia a un patrón de dieta mediterránea en Líbano, con el fin de mejorar la salud de la población.
[cat] Introducció: S'ha demostrat que la dieta mediterrània és beneficiosa en la prevenció i prognòstic de malalties cròniques. Els adults majors són el grup d'edat amb major incidència de malalties cròniques. L'estudi s’ha portat a terme a Espanya i el Líban, dos països mediterranis. Continguts de recerca: A Mallorca, s’ha investigat la composició nutricional dels aliments consumits per 211 adults majors utilitzant dos recordatoris de 24h de dies no consecutius. La ingesta mitjana diària de polifenols va ser de 332.7 mg/d. La ingesta de polifenols va ser més elevada entre els bevedors d'alcohol, nivell educatiu elevat, ingressos elevats i persones físicament actives. Els flavonoides van ser els polifenols més ingerits. Les begudes alcohòliques van ser els principals contribuents a la ingesta total de polifenols, principalment el vi negre. La mitjana de consum diari de lípids va ser de 68.6 g/dia. El sexe, l'edat i el nivell educatiu van influir en la ingesta de lípids. MUFA van ser el tipus d’àcid gras més consumit, i "olis i llavors" va ser el grup alimentari amb major contribució a la ingesta de lípids. No obstant això, la ingesta d'àcids grassos no va complir amb les recomanacions per adults majors mediterranis. El calci, el coure, el magnesi i el ferro es van consumir en quantitats inferiors a les IDR. La ingesta de minerals s'hauria d'ajustar per complir amb les recomanacions. Moltes variables de mesura d'aptitud física es van correlacionar negativament amb els predictors de malaltia cardiovascular. L'aptitud física pot ser essencial en l'envelliment saludable. En total, el 36.8%, el 24.5% i el 0.3% dels participants tenien una puntuació màxima de TUG inferior a 8-f, HGS màxim baix i sarcopenia, respectivament. La prevalença d'aquests valors baixos varia segons les variables sociodemogràfiques i de composició corporal. Al Líban, l'adhesió a la dieta mediterrània es va avaluar en 525 estudiants universitaris i 125 adults majors utilitzant MEDAS. Entre els estudiants universitaris, la mitjana de la puntuació d’adherència a un patró de dieta mediterrània va ser de 7.96. Els homes tenien un grau d’adherència a la dieta mediterrània lleugerament superior a les dones. Els no fumadors tenien una puntuació més alta que els fumadors. El 59.05% de la mostra tenia una puntuació inferior a l'adherència adequada. El 0.7% de la voluntat de canviar de dieta depenia de la puntuació d'adhesió a la dieta mediterrània i el 28.58% dels participants es preocupaven principalment per la seva salut. L'estratificació del qüestionari va revelar una distribució relativament alta de l'ús de l'oli d'oliva en la cuina tot i que només el 50.3% consumia més de 4 culleradetes diàries. El percentatge de participants que consumien aliments d’acord amb un patró de dieta mediterrània era superior al 50%, excepte pel vi i el peix. Es van trobar correlacions positives entre els diferents components de MEDAS. A més, el percentatge de participants que tenien una puntuació adequada era major en els no fumadors. Entre els adults majors, la puntuació d’adhesió mitjana a un patró de dieta mediterrània va ser de 8.48. Els homes tenien una adherència lleugerament superior a la dieta mediterrània que les dones. Els que treballaven tenien una major adhesió a la dieta mediterrània que els que no treballaven. El 52% de la mostra tenia una puntuació per sobre de l'adherència adequada. El percentatge de participants que consumien aliments d’acord amb un patró de dieta mediterrània era superior al 50%, excepte pel vi i el peix. Conclusió: Cal fer més estudis en el futur per comparar el Líban amb Espanya i desenvolupar estratègies per augmentar l'adhesió a la dieta mediterrània al Líban per a una millor salut.

Globally, the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is rising. The most affected populations are those that have undergone recent and rapid transition towards a Western lifestyle, characterised by energy-dense diets and physical inactivity.¶ Two major hypotheses have attempted to explain the variation in diabetes prevalence, both between and within populations, beyond the contributions made by adult lifestyle. The thrifty genotype hypothesis proposes that some populations are genetically well adapted to surviving in a subsistence environment, and are predisposed to develop diabetes when the dietary environment changes to one that is fat and carbohydrate rich. The programming hypothesis focuses on the developmental environment, particularly on prenatal and early postnatal conditions: nutritional deprivation in utero and early postnatal life, measured by low birthweight and disrupted child growth, is proposed to alter metabolism permanently so that risk of diabetes is increased with subsequent exposure to an energy-dense diet. Both hypotheses emphasise discord between adaptation (genetic or developmental) and current environment, and both now put forward insulin resistance as a likely mechanism for predisposition.¶ Diabetes contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality among Australia’s Indigenous population. Indigenous babies are more likely to be low birthweight, and typical patterns of child growth include periods of faltering and rapid catch-up. Although there have been numerous studies in other populations, the programming hypothesis has not previously been tested in an Australian Indigenous community. The framework of the programming hypothesis is thus expanded to consider exposure of whole populations to adverse prenatal and postnatal environments, and the influence this may have on diabetes prevalence.¶ The present study took place in Cherbourg, a large Aboriginal community in southeast Queensland with a high prevalence of diabetes. Study participants were adults with diagnosed diabetes and a random sample of adults who had never been diagnosed with diabetes. Data were collected on five current risk factors for diabetes (general and central obesity, blood pressure, age and family history), in addition to fasting blood glucose levels. A lifestyle survey was also conducted. Participants’ medical records detailing weight growth from birth to five years were analysed with regard to adult diabetes risk to determine whether childhood weight and rate of weight gain were associated with subsequent diabetes. Adult lifestyle factors were xiialso explored to determine whether variation in nutrition and physical activity was related to level of diabetes risk.¶ Approximately 20% of adults in Cherbourg have diagnosed diabetes. Prevalence may be as high as 38.5% in females and 42% in males if those who are high-risk (abnormal fasting glucose and three additional factors) are included. Among those over 40 years, total prevalence is estimated to be 51% for females and 59% for males.¶ Patterns of early childhood growth may contribute to risk of diabetes among adults. In particular, relatively rapid weight growth to five years is associated with both general and central obesity among adult women. This lends some qualified support to the programming hypothesis as catch-up growth has previously been incorporated into the model; however, although the most consistent association was found among those who gained weight more rapidly, it was also found that risk is increased among children who are heavier at any age.¶ No consistent associations were found between intrauterine growth retardation (as determined by lower than median birthweight and higher than median weight growth velocity to one and three months) and diabetes risk among women or men. A larger study sample with greater statistical power may have yielded less ambiguous results.¶ Among adults, levels of physical activity may be more important than nutritional intake in moderating diabetes risk, although features of diet, such as high intake of simple carbohydrates, may contribute to risk in the community overall, especially in the context of physical inactivity. A genetic component is not ruled out. Two additional areas which require further investigation include stress and high rates of infection, both of which are highly relevant to the study community, and may contribute to the insulin resistance syndrome.¶ Some accepted thresholds indicating increased diabetes risk may not be appropriate in this population. Given the relationship between waist circumference and other diabetes risk factors and the propensity for central fat deposition among women even with low body mass index (BMI), it is recommended that the threshold where BMI is considered a risk be lowered by 5kg/m2 for women, while no such recommendation is made for men.¶ There are a number of social barriers to better community health, including attitudes to exercise and obesity, patterns of alcohol and tobacco use and consumption of fresh foods. Some of these barriers are exacerbated by gender roles and expectations.¶

La grande diversité des réponses de stress observée entre individus a pour origine des facteurs génétiques en interaction avec des facteurs environnementaux. Certaines réponses peuvent être moins adaptées et accroitre la vulnérabilité de l’individu aux divers troubles et pathologies liées au stress. La CBG est une glycoprotéine plasmatique impliquée dans la biodisponibilité des glucocorticoïdes, un des principaux médiateurs de la réponse au stress. Des études génétiques ont montré que des polymorphismes du gène codant la CBG ont un impact significatif sur la réponse des glucocorticoïdes au stress. Pour comprendre les mécanismes de l’impact de la CBG sur l’action des glucocorticoïdes et les conséquences sur les réponses endocriniennes et comportementales de stress, notre équipe a développé un modèle de souris déficiente pour le gène Cbg. Ces souris présentent une réponse diminuée des glucocorticoïdes au stress, associée à un niveau élevé de comportement émotionnel de type dépressif. Cette thèse a pour but d’explorer plus en profondeur les altérations physiologiques et comportementales des souris Cbg ko. Nous avons montré que le niveau plus faible de glucocorticoïdes observé chez la souris Cbg ko provient d’une élimination plasmatique plus importante. Une étude chez la souris Cbg ko femelles a montré que les estrogènes se surimposent à la déficience en CBG pour induire des comportements de type dépressif. Nous avons également démontré que la déficience en CBG conduit a une atténuation de la sensibilité comportementale et endocrinienne au stress chronique. Enfin, nous avons observé une détérioration de la mémoire long terme de ces souris. Par ailleurs, nous montrons que dans des conditions de stress chronique associé à un régime alimentaire déséquilibré le métabolisme du glucose était altéré chez les animaux déficients en CBG. Ces résultats renforcent l’importance du rôle de la CBG influençant l’ensemble des mécanismes d’actions des glucocorticoïdes par la modulation de leurs niveaux et de leur disponibilité
The great diversity in the response to stress observed among individuals originates from their genetic background in interaction with environmental factors. Some responses can be less adaptive and increase the vulnerability to develop stress-associated disorders. CBG is a plasma glycoprotein that regulates the bioavailability of glucocorticoids, one of the main mediators of the stress response. Genetic studies pointed out variations in the gene coding for CBG as a major factor influencing the glucocorticoid response to stress. To better understand the mechanisms involved and the consequences on endocrine and behavioral responses to stress, our team has developed a mouse model of CBG deficiency. These mice present blunted glucocorticoid response to stress associated with increased despair-like behaviors. This thesis aimed at further exploring the physiological and behavioral alterations presented by the Cbg ko mice. We showed that the lower glucocorticoid levels observed in Cbg ko mice stems from their higher clearance from plasma. A study performed on Cbg ko female mice revealed that estrogens outpass CBG deficiency in inducing despair-like behavior. Additionally, we evidenced that CBG deficiency leads to lower behavioral and endocrine sensitivity to chronic stress, and we observed impairment of hippocampal-dependent long-term memory in these mice. Finally, we found that chronic stress combined to high-fat diet leads to alteration in glucose metabolism in CBG deficient animals. These findings reinforce the important role of CBG influencing the broad range of actions of glucocorticoids by modulating their levels and availability

The purpose of this research was to assess the lifestyle of international students at Western Kentucky University (WKU) and to compare the lifestyles of international and American students and subgroups of international students. The Lifestyle Questionnaire (LSQ), was a 26-item personal health lifestyle test, which had six sections (nutrition, exercise, smoking, alcohol and drugs, safety, and stress). The test-retest reliability of LSQ was evaluated by Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r) and was .89. During October and November 1997, 55 international students and 64 American students at WKU finished the LSQ. Significant differences were found between the American student group and the international student group on the total LSQ score (t=3.47) and the scores on the sections of Smoking (t=2.17), Alcohol and Drugs (2.91), and Safety (3.91) after analysis by a t-test. International students had higher scores on the above areas. No significant differences were indicated between the two groups in nutrition, exercise, and stress. The above results were discussed and analyzed on possible causes, consistency with previous research, and limitations of this study. Recommendations about the potential use of LSQ and the work effectiveness of international student health services were also presented.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Western Sydney, [2002].
"A thesis submitted to the University of Western Sydney in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Health) " Bibliography: leaves 180-229, and Appendices.

Thesis (M Sport Sc (Sport Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2011.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Adolescence is the period between childhood and adulthood. This phase starts between the ages of 11 and 13 years and ends between 17 and 21 years. Adolescence was seen as a phase of development, growth and excellent health in the past, but that is not the case in the 21st century. The health of adolescent are being influenced by technology such as computers and televisions, crime, poor eating habits, the absence of Physical Education at schools, urbanization, overpopulation and less available space for children to play. These aspects lead to a sedentary lifestyle which may impact their health in the form of hypokinetic diseases. The primary aim of this study was to determine the lifestyle patterns of adolescents in selected Western Cape high schools. The secondary aims of this study were to determine the lifestyle patterns of different ethnic groups; those of boys and girls; and to compare these lifestyle patterns with those of adolescents 10 years ago. In this study, two questionnaires were used for data collection: a questionnaire for the adolescents; and one for the Life Orientation teachers. The high schools (N=30) were randomly selected to partake in the study. Out of each school learners (N=60) were also randomly selected to partake in the study. The 60 learners consisted of [n=15] boys and [n=15] girls in Grade 9 and [n=15] boys and [n=15] girls in Grade 11 between the ages of 15 and 17 years. One Life Orientation teacher was also randomly selected from each school. Data from the two questionnaires were coded in computer format and statistically analysed with the computer program Stasoft Statistica Version 10. From the results of the study it can be concluded that neither White nor Coloured adolescents found school sport important nor they did not partake in sporting activities on a regular basis. Adolescent boys, on the other hand, were found to be much more active than adolescent girls. Adolescent girls preferred sedentary activities like listening to music and reading books. Both White and Coloured adolescents, and boys and girls, found their health to be excellent despite the fact that research showed the opposite to be true. White adolescents also found socialising more important than Coloured adolescents. Coloured adolescent on the other hand found household chores more important. Boys and Coloured adolescents attended self defence classes on a regular basis. This study is a follow-up study on one conducted by Van Deventer in 1999. It serves as a basis for further research and it is recommended that a new study should be conducted every 10 years to determine changes in the lifestyle patterns of adolescents so that it can be addressed. Further research is recommended because of the low feedback of Life Orientation teachers to determine and address the status of Life Orientation presently in schools, the attitudes of teachers and learners toward Life Orientation, Education and training of Life Orientation teachers, apparatus and facilities needs and time allocation towards the movement component in Life Orientation. Further research is also recommended because of the insufficient feedback received from Black learners. It is also important to determine their lifestyle patterns so that recommendations in this regard can be made.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Adolessensie is die periode tussen die kinderjare en volwassenheid. Die fase begin tussen die ouderdomme van 11 en 13 jaar en eindig tussen 17 en 21 jaar. Adolessensie is vroeër as 'n fase van groei, ontwikkeling en goeie gesondheid beskou maar dit is nie meer die geval nie. Adolessente se gesondheid word huidig deur beskikbare tegnologie soos televisie en rekenaars, vervoer, misdaad, verstedeliking, minder sportgronde as gevolg van oorbevolking, gebrekkige Liggaamlike Opvoeding by skole en ongesonde eetgewoontes belemmer. Dit kan tot sedentêre leefstylpatrone aanleiding gee wat hipokinetiese siektes kan meebring. Die hoofdoel van die studie was om die leefstylpatrone van adolessente in geselekteerde hoërskole van die Wes-Kaapse Onderwysdepartement te bepaal. Daar was ook op die volgende subprobleme gefokus: die vergelyking van die leefstylpatrone van verskillende etniese groepe, die vergelyking van die leefstylpatrone van seuns en meisies en die vergelyking van die leefstylpatrone van huidige adolessente met dié van 10 jaar gelede. Twee vraelyste was vir die insameling van die data gebruik. Een wat leerders en die ander die Lewensoriëntering-onderwyser voltooi het. Die hoërskole (N=30) was ewekansig geselekteer. Uit elke hoërskool was leerders (N=60) ewekansig: uit Graad 9 [n=15] seuns en [n=15] meisies en uit Graad 11 [n=15] seuns en [n=15] meisies tussen die ouderdomme van 15 en 17 geselekteer. Een Lewensoriëntering-onderwyser per skool was ook ewekansig geselekteer. Die data wat vanaf die vraelyste verkry was, is in rekenaarformaat gekodeer en statisties verwerk. Stasoft Statistica Weergawe 10 is vir verdere dataverwerking gebruik. Daar is tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat beide Wit en Bruin adolessente sport as onbelangrik geag het en ongereeld daaraan deelneem het. Adolessente seuns het sport belangriker geag en ook meer gereeld as adolessente meisies daaraan deelgeneem. Adolessente meisies het sedentêre aktiwiteite, soos om te lees en na musiek te luister, belangriker as adolessente seuns geag. Wit en Bruin adolessente, en die seuns en meisies, het hul gesondheid goed geag al bewys navorsing die teendeel. Wit adolessente het meer as Bruin adolessente gesosialiseer, terwyl Bruin adolessente huishoudelike take belangriker as Wit adolessente geag het. Adolessente seuns en Bruin adolessente het gereeld selfverdedigingsklasse bygewoon. Die onderhawige studie is 'n opvolgstudie wat deur Van Deventer in 1999 uitgevoer is en dien as rigtingwyser vir verdere navorsing. 'n Opvolgstudie elke 10 jaar is ideaal sodat die veranderinge in leefstylpatrone onder adolessente gemonitor en aangespreek kan word. Verdere navorsing word as gevolg van die lae terugvoersyfer van Lewensoriënteringonderwysers aanbeveel sodat die volgende aangespreek kan word: die status wat Lewensoriëntering huidig geniet; die gesindheid van onderwysers en leerders teenoor Lewensoriëntering; onderwyseropleiding; apparaat en fasiliteit behoeftes; en die tydstoekenning vir die bewegingskomponent van Lewensoriëntering. Verdere navorsing word as gevolg van die lae terugvoersyfer van Swart adolessente aanbeveel sodat hul leefstylpatrone ook bepaal en aanbevelings daarvolgens gemaak kan word.

This study examines the concept of sustainable lifestyles. It is concluded that the concept of sustainable lifestyles is derived from the bigger term sustainable development and that the concept sustainable lifestyles exists as an antipode to unsustainable lifestyles. Sustainable lifestyles are still a new concept within the academic field of urban planning and design and some confusion regarding the definition remains. Three case studies were made investigating urban planning for sustainable lifestyles. The sites were Houthaven in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Royal Seaport in Stockholm Sweden and Western Harbour in Malmö, Sweden. Urban planning for sustainable lifestyles was explicitly carried out in the Royal Seaport, in the other two cases the concept of sustainability was approached more generally but nonetheless the methods used were quite similar in all three cases. How people in the society of today are seen as responsible for e.g. buying ecological food, driving ecological vehicles and living a sustainable lifestyle, are analysed through the approaches of governmentality and biopower. There has been a shift from a centralised governing of sustainability implementations to a decentralised one where the individual responsibility stands in focus. There are different views of what a sustainable behaviour and lifestyle could incorporate. According to the technocentric approach, technical solutions to environmental problems are sufficient, but according to the ecocentric approach, behavioural changes are needed in order to obtain sustainability. This has implications for the planning of sustainable lifestyles. In some cases technical solutions are favoured in front of behavioural ones and the other way around. The two tracks of understanding leads to two different pathways of sustainability and a need to recognize and comprehend the differences are crucial in planning for sustainable lifestyles. Sustainable behaviour and habits relate to actions, which e.g. minimizes the use of natural resources or incorporates the switch from an unsustainable habit to a sustainable one. Sustainable behaviour is often referred to as pro-environmental behaviour and circles around consumption. There are several ways of replacing unsustainable habits with sustainable ones discussed in this study.

email: bratel@kth.se

Globally, the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is rising. The most affected populations are those that have undergone recent and rapid transition towards a Western lifestyle, characterised by energy-dense diets and physical inactivity. Two major hypotheses have attempted to explain the variation in diabetes prevalence, both between and within populations, beyond the contributions made by adult lifestyle. The thrifty genotype hypothesis proposes that some populations are genetically well adapted to surviving in a subsistence environment, and are predisposed to develop diabetes when the dietary environment changes to one that is fat and carbohydrate rich. The programming hypothesis focuses on the developmental environment, particularly on prenatal and early postnatal conditions: nutritional deprivation in utero and early postnatal life, measured by low birthweight and disrupted child growth, is proposed to alter metabolism permanently so that risk of diabetes is increased with subsequent exposure to an energy-dense diet. Both hypotheses emphasise discord between adaptation (genetic or developmental) and current environment, and both now put forward insulin resistance as a likely mechanism for predisposition.¶ Diabetes contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality among Australia’s Indigenous population. Indigenous babies are more likely to be low birthweight, and typical patterns of child growth include periods of faltering and rapid catch-up. Although there have been numerous studies in other populations, the programming hypothesis has not previously been tested in an Australian Indigenous community. The framework of the programming hypothesis is thus expanded to consider exposure of whole populations to adverse prenatal and postnatal environments, and the influence this may have on diabetes prevalence.¶ The present study took place in Cherbourg, a large Aboriginal community in southeast Queensland with a high prevalence of diabetes. Study participants were adults with diagnosed diabetes and a random sample of adults who had never been diagnosed with diabetes. Data were collected on five current risk factors for diabetes (general and central obesity, blood pressure, age and family history), in addition to fasting blood glucose levels. A lifestyle survey was also conducted. Participants’ medical records detailing weight growth from birth to five years were analysed with regard to adult diabetes risk to determine whether childhood weight and rate of weight gain were associated with subsequent diabetes. Adult lifestyle factors were also explored to determine whether variation in nutrition and physical activity was related to level of diabetes risk. ...

The paper aims at giving analytic picture of postmodern culture in its various demonstrations in mass society and in its influence upon man{\crq}s individuality and their lifestyle.The beginning of the paper deals with terminology and with description of the western culture development. The main part of the paper analyses (gradual compilation) main works of important authors with various views and approaches (G. Lipovetsky, M. Maffesoli, Z. Bauman). An interesting contribution to this topic represents futurological vision of A. and H. Tofflers spouses, who describe mankind development and creation of new forms of democracy. The last chapter deals with comparing the similarities and the differences between the works of the above mentioned authors.