An assessment of the move your way program among hispanic adults in Las Vegas, Nevada.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) is important because of its associated health benefits. However, many Americans remain inactive. The 2018 guidelines recognize that PA bouts of less than 10 min are beneficial. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion created the Move Your Way® (MYW) campaign to provide PA resources for communities and healthcare providers. This study aims to describe the reach of the MYW campaign, and assess whether having seen, heard, or read (SHR) about MYW, or having seen the MYW logo, was associated with PA knowledge, self-efficacy, and behavior among Hispanics residing in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. METHODS: Hispanics, aged 18-74, were surveyed at community events (n = 481) or via an online survey (n = 123). Respondents were asked if they had SHR of MYW, were aware of 2018 PA recommendations, and to report their personal PA behavior, PA knowledge, PA intentions, and demographics. RESULTS: Respondents (71% female) completed a 38-42-item survey. Approximately (12.4%) had SHR of the MYW campaign and 16.1% had seen the MYW logo. Only 3.4% and 15% identified, "150 minutes per week" and "75 minutes per week" as the 2018 guidelines for moderate physical activity (MPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA), respectively. Those who had SHR of the MYW campaign were more likely to correctly identify 150 min per week as the MPA guideline and had greater confidence in overcoming selected PA barriers. Regression analysis showed that those who had seen the MYW logo were more likely to meet strength guidelines, and that those who had SHR of MYW or saw the logo were more likely to know the recommended minutes of MPA. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the MYW program positively associates with some PA behaviors and PA correlates.

The Impact of an Educational Intervention on Distracted Driving Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Among College Students.

Distracted driving indiscriminately kills nearly 3500 people each year with young adults having greater risks associated with this phenomenon. Prevention programs targeting the distracted driving habits of young adults are necessary to ameliorate the high costs, both in dollars and in lives, associated with this behavior. Few health education and prevention programs have been assessed for their effectiveness in changing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to distracted driving. This study explores a distracted driving intervention among undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory public health course. A quasi-experimental study design was used to compare the pre- and post-data of the group receiving 5-weeks of a distracted driving intervention to a control group. Questionnaires were administered to both groups prior to and 2 weeks following the intervention to assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to distracted driving. A Difference-in-Difference technique showed significant changes in knowledge (ß = 0.40, p = 0.03) and total scores (ß = 2.48, p = 0.04) in the intervention (n = 97) compared to the control (n = 131). T-tests examining pre- and post-scores for individual behaviors showed the intervention group displayed positive changes for some behaviors (talking, texting, cellphone use, grooming) compared to the control. The results support the impact that a classroom-based distracted driving intervention can have on undergraduate college students. Implications for this type of health education program may lead to improvements in distracted driving attitudes and behavior among this age-group.

Changes in Depression and Physical Activity Among College Students on a Diverse Campus After a COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Order.

The numerous negative health impacts of COVID-19, which include expected changes to psychiatric illness and physical activity (PA), are disproportionately distributed in the United States. Mental illnesses and physical inactivity are prevalent among U.S. college students. This study examined whether there was a change in minutes of PA and depression scores after a stay-at-home order and examined predictors of these changes. An online survey was sent to all undergraduate and graduate students attending a large, diverse university via an electronic newsletter. The survey requested information about demographic and academic data, cardiorespiratory fitness, and depression symptoms. Paired t-tests and logistic regression were employed. Our sample (n = 194) was predominantly female (73%), young (mean age of 25), not a sexual minority (82%), and had a mean 3.4 GPA. Students reported worse depression scores (p < 0.01) and fewer minutes of PA (p = 0.01) after the stay-at-home order. There was a small but significant (p = 0.04) correlation between changes in total minutes of PA and depression scores. Senior (p = 0.05) and Hispanic (p = 0.03) students were less likely to report worsening depression scores than freshmen and white students, respectively. Asian students were significantly more likely than white students to report decreased PA. This study suggests that COVID-19 and its consequences may be contributing to reduced PA and greater depression symptoms in college students and that sub-groups have been affected differently. Targeted interventions to promote PA and support mental health may bolster the ability for resilience of college students.

Physical Activity Guidelines Compliance and Its Relationship With Preventative Health Behaviors and Risky Health Behaviors.

BACKGROUND: People who are physically active enjoy a multitude of health benefits across their lifespan compared with people who are not physically active. However, little research has sought to determine whether those who meet the physical activity (PA) guidelines also engage in other healthy behaviors. The purpose of this study was to compare healthy behaviors of people who met the PA guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to those who did not meet the guidelines. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey conducted in 2017. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using chi-square tests. Odds and adjusted odds ratios were calculated using multiple logistic regressions. RESULTS: Those who met the PA guidelines were more likely to get a flu shot, have a medical checkup, take human immunodeficiency virus tests, wear seatbelts, and binge drink more frequently, compared with those who did not meet the guidelines. This group is also less likely to be smokers and be overweight or obese in comparison to their inactive counterparts. CONCLUSION: The positive association between PA and other healthy behaviors represents synergistic health activities, with healthy behaviors supporting others.

Healthy Food Options at Dollar Discount Stores Are Equivalent in Quality and Lower in Price Compared to Grocery Stores: An Examination in Las Vegas, NV.

Food deserts indicate limited access to and affordability of healthy foods. One potential mediator is the availability of healthy food in non-traditional outlets such as dollar-discount stores, stores selling produce at the fixed $1 price. The purpose of this study was to compare availability, quality, price differences in 'healthier' versus 'regular' food choices, price per each food item, and summary score in dollar-discount stores to grocery stores in Las Vegas using the NEMS-S; a protocol consisting of three subscores-availability, quality, price of healthier versus regular food, and a summary score. A 25% sample of grocery stores (n = 40) and all dollar-discount stores (n = 14) were evaluated. t-tests showed that dollar-discount stores were less likely to price healthy options lower than their unhealthy alternatives (mean (M) = 1.0 vs. M = 2.5; p < 0.001) and had reduced availability (M = 20.50 vs. M = 23.80; p < 0.001) compared to grocery stores. The quality of produce did not differ (M = 5.93 vs. M = 6.00; p = 0.34). Price comparisons revealed that 84.2% of produce and 89.5% of other food items were significantly less expensive at the dollar-discount stores, with only two items being more expensive. While dollar-discount stores did have lower availability, they provided quality fresh and healthy foods which were usually less expensive. Findings indicate that dollar discount stores may be an existing community asset, and considering them as such may aid in efforts to strengthen the overall food system. Practitioners should consider dollar discount stores when assessing the community food environment and designing and implementing outreach programs, as they may bridge some disparities in access.

Sleep duration associated with cardiovascular conditions among adult Nevadans.

BACKGROUND: Associations between sleep duration and cardiovascular conditions have been inconsistent. Both short and long sleep duration are associated with increased risk for diabetes, hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, depression, and overall metabolic dysfunction; all of which are cardiovascular disease risk factors. This study aimed to determine if deficient or excessive sleep duration is associated with cardiovascular conditions. METHODS: Data were obtained from the 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for the state of Nevada. A total of 5101 participants completed the survey and answered questions as to whether they had ever had a cardiovascular condition ie, myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease or angina, and stroke. Multiple logistic regression was implemented during analyses and yielded four models including demographics, co-morbidity, behavior, and final significant variables. RESULTS: Six significant predictor variables were identified in the final model. Sleep duration was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Individuals having deficient sleep, eg, 1-4 h a night, were 2.4 times more likely to have a cardiovascular condition versus those sleeping 7-9 h per night (OR = 2.412, CI = 1.139, 5.107). As for individuals who sleep excessively, eg, 10-18 h a night, they were nearly 7.2 times more likely to have a cardiovascular condition, compared to individuals who receive a normal night's sleep (OR = 7.170, CI = 3.284, 15.654). CONCLUSIONS: Both deficient and excessive sleep duration were significantly associated with a cardiovascular condition, even after adjustment for covariates. The findings from this study can be used as additional evidence to encourage further research on improving sleep by developing future treatment therapies, and recommendations, that may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease conditions.

Gestational Age and the Risk of Maternal Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Case-Control Study.

There is limited evidence that the gestational age at delivery may influence the risk of maternal breast cancer. While extreme prematurity has been suggested to increase the risk, there seems to be no study available so far that investigates the due effects of a late delivery. This research aimed to identify the impact of both preterm and late deliveries on the risk of maternal breast cancer within a period of 5 years after birth. Our dataset was created by linking data from the Nevada Cancer Registry database (1995-2008) and the birth certificates issued by the Nevada State Health Division (1994-2003). The study cohort consisted of 213,250 women who gave birth from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2003. We performed a nested population-based case-control study on 126 Nevada mothers with a first lifetime breast cancer diagnosed from January 1, 1995 through December 31, 2003, and 504 Nevada cancer-free mothers. Women with pregnancies who progressed beyond 40 weeks of gestation were at a significantly lower risk of developing breast cancer for the 5-year period following a delivery, when compared to women who delivered at 37-40 weeks of gestation (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.11-0.92) in a multivariate model. Additional pregnancy characteristics did not significantly predict the risk of maternal breast cancer. Pregnancies that extended beyond 40 weeks of gestation were strongly associated with a lower likelihood of premenopausal breast cancer. Biological plausibility for this association may correspond to the fact that as pregnancy develops into more advanced stages, mammary cells have more time to attain complete differentiation and maturation; a process that starts early in the third trimester.

The relationship among playground areas and physical activity levels in children.

INTRODUCTION: Almost 20% of American children aged 6 to 11 years are obese. A decrease in physical activity has been associated with an increase in obesity. The school environment is one place where many children can be reached. This cross-sectional study determined which types of playground areas attract children and promote moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or sedentarism. METHOD: Children on two urban elementary school playgrounds (one of which offered a jogging program called Jog and Walk Stars [JAWS]) were observed before school with use of the System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth and System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities observational tools. Descriptive statistics, paired-samples t tests, and independent-samples t tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The highest populated areas for schools K and B on non-JAWS days were the general blacktop areas; however, approximately 50% of the children in these areas were sedentary. At school B on days when the JAWS program was offered, the highest populated area was the JAWS track, and 99% of those children participated in MVPA. There was a significant difference in counts for average total sedentary children per square foot between school K (M = 216.70) and school B on JAWS days: M = 80.38, t (22.02) = 2.24, p < .5, two-tailed. DISCUSSION: A playground environment assessment to identify areas that promote MVPA, such as offering a JAWS program, may be one avenue to address the need for increasing MVPA levels in children in general, in addition to physical education class, and help them obtain the recommended 60 minutes of daily MVPA.

Single Entry Communities Increase Trip Distance and May Overestimate Neighborhood Walkability.

BACKGROUND: Neighborhood walkability is being promoted as an important factor in public health efforts to decrease rates of physical inactivity. Single entry communities (SEC), communities with only 1 entrance/exit, may result in an over estimation of walkability. This design makes direct walking routes outside the community nearly impossible and results in increased trip distance. The purpose of this study was to determine if accounting for SECs resulted in a significant difference in street connectivity. METHODS: Twenty geographically different Las Vegas neighborhoods were chosen and the number of true intersections measured in ArcGIS. Neighborhoods were then assessed for the presence of SECs using google maps, ArcGIS land imagery, and field observation. Intersections inside SECs were removed. A paired t test was used to assess the mean difference of intersection density before and after adjustment. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in the number of true intersections after the adjustment (before mean = 57.8; after mean = 45.7). The eta squared statistic indicates a large effect size (0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Single entry communities result in an over estimation of street connectivity. If SECs are not accounted for, trip distances will be underestimated and public health efforts to promote walking through walkable neighborhoods may prove less effective.

The impact of follow-up type and missed deaths on population-based cancer survival studies for Hispanics and Asians.

BACKGROUND: The accuracy of cancer survival statistics relies on the quality of death linkages and follow-up information collected by population-based cancer registries. Methodological issues on survival data by race-ethnicity in the United States, in particular for Hispanics and Asians, have not been well studied and may undermine our understanding of survival disparities. METHODS: Based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-18 data, we analyzed existing biases in survival statistics when comparing the four largest racial-ethnic groups in the United States, whites, blacks, Hispanics and Asians. We compared the "reported alive" method for calculation of survival, which is appropriate when date of last alive contact is available for all cases, with the "presumed alive" method used when dates of last contact are unavailable. Cox regression was applied to calculate the likelihood of incomplete follow-up (those with less than 5 years of vital status information) according to racial-ethnic group and stage of diagnosis. Finally, potentially missed deaths were estimated based on the numbers of cases with incomplete follow-up for highly fatal cancers. RESULTS: The presumed alive method overestimated survival compared with the reported alive method by as much as 0.9-6.2 percentage points depending on the cancer site among Hispanics and by 0.4-2.7 percentage points among Asians. In SEER data, Hispanics and Asians are more likely to have incomplete follow-up than whites or blacks. The assumption of random censoring across race-ethnicity is not met, as among non-white cases, those who have a worse prognosis are more likely to have incomplete follow-up than those with a better prognosis (P < .05). Moreover, death ascertainment is not equal across racial-ethnic groups. Overall, 3% of cancer deaths were missed among Hispanics and Asians compared with less than 0.5% among blacks and whites. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer survival studies involving Hispanics and Asians should be interpreted with caution because the current available data overtly inflates survival in these populations. Censoring is clearly nonrandom across race-ethnicity meaning that findings of Hispanic and Asian survival advantages may be biased. Problematic death linkages among Hispanics and Asians contribute to missing deaths and overestimated survival. More complete follow-up with at least 5 years of information on vital status as well as improved death linkages will decisively increase the validity of survival estimates for these growing populations.

Awareness and beliefs regarding intimate partner violence among first-year dental students.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) may affect one to four million individuals per year in the United States, with women accounting for the majority of both reported and unreported cases. Dental professionals are in a unique position to identify many types of IPV because injuries to the head and neck may be indicators or predictors of IPV abuse. Fewer than half of dental programs surveyed have reported having IPV-specific curricula, and most dental students surveyed have reported having little experience or training to recognize IPV. Based on this information, this pilot study sought to assess the awareness and beliefs regarding IPV among first-year dental students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Using a voluntary survey, followed by a one-hour educational seminar facilitated by an experienced IPV/domestic violence advocate, a post-seminar survey was administered to assess changes in student perceptions and beliefs and to determine the magnitude and direction of any changes. The survey had an 81.25 percent response rate (65/80). The results demonstrated that more than two-thirds of the students had no previous IPV-specific education. In addition, approximately half of these students began the educational session reporting they did not believe IPV was a health care issue, although the overwhelming majority had decided it was when surveyed after the seminar. Moreover, their perceptions and beliefs about the responsibilities of the dental professional, as well as knowledge about resources and available support services, were significantly changed. These results suggest that targeted, information-specific seminars may be sufficient to provide dental students with an understanding of the key issues regarding IPV. With this knowledge, they can better provide specific information about resources and referrals for services to their patients who have experienced IPV. Recommendations based on these findings are being used to develop and refine IPV-specific curricula at this institution, which may be of significant value to other dental schools with plans to develop and integrate this material into their programs.

Diet, acculturation, and BMI in Hispanics living in southern Nevada.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of fruit and vegetable intake, acculturation, and BMI in Hispanics living in southern Nevada. METHODS: Logistic regression was employed to assess the relationship of acculturation to daily intake of fruit and vegetables. RESULTS: Regression showed that greater acculturation (p = .002) and being male (p = .011) are predictive of lower fruit and vegetable consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Our results for the HA population are consistent with national data. To understand the incentives and barriers to healthier eating within southern Nevada Hispanic populations and to effectively address the resource and programming needs, longitudinal research will be required.

Perceived environmental physical activity correlates among Asian Pacific Islander Americans.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about correlates of physical activity of Asian and Asian-Pacific Islander Americans (AAPI). Knowledge of these correlates could be useful in promoting physical activity. PURPOSE: to identify demographic and environmental correlates of physical activity among AAPI. METHODS: Participants resided in the Las Vegas, Nevada area, and completed a 52-item telephone administered questionnaire that assessed physical activity behavior, environmental supports for physical activity and demographic factors. Environmental factors included the presence of neighborhood sidewalks, park availability, and nearby grocery stores were combined to create the variable "environmental physical activity supports" (EPAS). Neighborhood crime, pleasantness of the neighborhood for walking, and the presence of loose dogs combined to form "neighborhood safety." Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of physical activity. Potential predictors included age, gender, BMI, employment, educational attainment, neighborhood safety, and EPAS. RESULTS: 263 respondents completed the survey. With the exception of living near a grocery store, respondents reported residing in neighborhoods that are generally supportive of physical activity. However, EPAS was the sole significant predictor of physical activity behavior (OR = 1.52, CI = 1.06-2.17). Age and educational attainment unexpectedly failed to predict physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Supportive physical activity environments associate with physical activity behavior among AAPI.

Correlates of physical activity among Hispanic adults.

BACKGROUND: Health behaviors of minority populations, including Hispanics, are important from a public health perspective because this subpopulation is growing and health behaviors of this subgroup are understudied. Physical activity is a component of healthy lifestyles and Hispanics have been shown to be less active than are Caucasians. It will be necessary to know correlates of physical activity to enhance the physical activity of this group. Recently, the importance of environmental and cultural factors has been recognized as correlates of physical activity behavior. The purpose of this study was to identify environmental and cultural correlates of physical activity among Hispanic adults. METHODS: A 52-item telephone survey was employed to assess physical activity and its potential correlates. RESULTS: The sample included 175 females and 156 males. Respondent ages ranged from 18 to 82 years (x = 38.39 ± 15.0). Approximately 20% of respondents were assigned to a "higher physical activity" group. Predictors of being in this group were having supportive environments, being acculturated, attending some college, and age. CONCLUSIONS: Providing environmental supports may be an effective strategy to enhance physical activity levels of adult Hispanics. Older Hispanics, those with lower educational attainments and those of lower acculturation should be targeted for intervention.

Mortality and longevity of elite athletes.

The health benefits of leisure-time physical activity are well known, however the effects of engaging in competitive sports on health are uncertain. This literature review examines mortality and longevity of elite athletes and attempts to understand the association between long-term vigorous exercise training and survival rates. Fourteen articles of epidemiological studies were identified and classified by type of sport. Life expectancy, standardised mortality ratio, standardised proportionate mortality ratio, mortality rate, and mortality odds ratio for all causes of death were used to analyse mortality and longevity of elite athletes. It appears that elite endurance (aerobic) athletes and mixed-sports (aerobic and anaerobic) athletes survive longer than the general population, as indicated by lower mortality and higher longevity. Lower cardiovascular disease mortality is likely the primary reason for their better survival rates. On the other hand, there are inconsistent results among studies of power (anaerobic) athletes. When elite athletes engaging in various sports are analysed together, their mortality is lower than that of the general population. In conclusion, long-term vigorous exercise training is associated with increased survival rates of specific groups of athletes.

Prevalence and correlates of walking and biking to school among adolescents.

Increasing the rates that our adolescents walk and bicycle to school, also called active transport to school (ATS), could increase the physical activity (PA) levels of that age group. This type of activity has been identified as a missed opportunity for PA. It is currently estimated that 15% of American youth walk or bicycle to school. These rates of ATS are lower than those of European and Asian youth. Efforts to enhance levels of non-motorized transport to school could aid in reducing obesity rates among American youth, decrease traffic congestion and attenuate emission of greenhouse gasses. The objective was to identify demographic, environmental and psychosocial predictors of ATS. A 30-questionnaire was completed by 2,692 students. Logistic regression was used to identify psychosocial, demographic and environmental predictors of ATS. Only 4.6% of students used ATS. Predictors of ATS were street connectedness (density of street intersections) and gender, (boys had higher ATS rates). Public health officials should be alert for opportunities to select sites for new schools that are in neighborhoods with well connected street systems. Interventions promoting ATS will need to target male and female students and there appears to be an opportunity to increase rates that students bicycle to school.

Smallpox-related knowledge and beliefs among recent college graduates.

UNLABELLED: Recent world events have increased concern and preparations for possible bioterror events. Despite worldwide efforts to limit access to bio-weapons, smallpox is still considered a potential bioterror threat. Americans' understanding of smallpox could prevent panic and enhance the willingness of citizens to receive vaccinations. OBJECTIVE: The authors' purpose in this study was to describe graduating college students' levels of smallpox-related knowledge. METHOD SUMMARY: Participants at a graduation ceremony--mostly female, with a mean age of 28.4+/-8.1 years--were handed a 35-item questionnaire that assessed smallpox knowledge and whether respondents would submit to vaccination under hypothetical circumstances. RESULTS: The convenience sample was ignorant of numerous facts about smallpox and unaware of government efforts to prepare for an attack, answering an average of 3.8 out of 10 items correctly. CONCLUSION: These findings raise concern because, in a smallpox event, prompt responses to directives of public health officials will be necessary to maximize the effectiveness of response plans.

The association of distraction and caution displayed by pedestrians at a lighted crosswalk.

The rates of deaths and injuries among pedestrians have fallen in recent years, but still remain public health problems as about 5000 pedestrians die each year. Because pedestrians have been shown to be responsible or partially responsible for many of the crashes in which they are involved, we sought to assess the relationship of distracted walking and performing routine cautionary behaviors of pedestrians crossing a busy street in a southwestern city at an intersection, adjacent a university. The behavior of 866 individuals was recorded by trained observers as pedestrians walked across a 105-foot wide street served by a stop light and zebra painted crosswalk. We defined distracted pedestrians as those wearing headphones, talking on a cell phone, eating, drinking, smoking or talking as they crossed the street. Caution was measured by looking left and right, and entering the crosswalk only when the white proceed light was illuminated. We found that only 13.5% of walkers looked left and right and entered the crosswalk while the white light was flashing. Approximately 20% of walkers were distracted as they crossed the street. Regression analysis indicated that distraction was negatively, but weakly associated with displaying cautious pedestrian behaviors. Because traffic lights were routinely ignored and lack of caution was predicted by distraction, we suggest that inexpensive education efforts target pedestrians near college campuses.