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1.
Arch Dermatol Res ; 315(2): 191-199, 2023 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35235004

ABSTRACT

Skin cancer, including melanoma, is the most common cancer worldwide and a significant public health concern. A significant risk factor for melanoma is through increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation through the use of indoor tanning beds. Although rates of indoor tanning bed use have decreased in recent years, young adults, particularly White, college-age women, comprise the majority of indoor tanning bed users in the United States. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore and explain the initiation and sustenance of indoor tanning cessation among college students using the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change. Data were collected from 254 college students who reported current indoor tanning use using a validated 46-item survey to assess demographics and the MTM constructs. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression to determine the ability of the MTM constructs to predict the initiation and sustenance of indoor tanning cessation. For initiation of indoor tanning cessation, participatory dialogue: advantages (B = 0.038, p = 0.001), behavioral confidence (B = 0.129, p < 0.001) and changes in the physical environment (B = 0.088, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with indoor tanning cessation following covariate adjustment. For sustenance, only emotional transformation (B = 0.140, p < 0.001) demonstrated a significant relationship with indoor tanning cessation, following adjustment. Findings from this study demonstrate the utility of the MTM in explaining indoor tanning cessation and designing intervention strategies and clinical recommendations to encourage indoor tanning cessation among college students.


Subject(s)
Melanoma , Skin Neoplasms , Sunbathing , Young Adult , Humans , United States/epidemiology , Female , Cross-Sectional Studies , Health Behavior , Students , Ultraviolet Rays/adverse effects , Melanoma/epidemiology , Melanoma/etiology , Melanoma/prevention & control , Sustenance , Skin Neoplasms/epidemiology , Skin Neoplasms/etiology , Skin Neoplasms/prevention & control
2.
J Osteopath Med ; 122(9): 453-459, 2022 09 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35491729

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: The most common skeletal disease, osteoporosis, causes bone fragility due to decreased bone mass and bone microarchitecture destruction. The health belief model is often applied to asymptomatic, prevention-related diseases such as osteoporosis. Steps to mitigate the insidious nature of osteoporosis, including education, motivation, and monitoring of bone mineral density, must begin at an earlier age. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the knowledge and health beliefs surrounding osteoporosis in a population of males and females 35-50 years old to determine sex-based differences in osteoporosis knowledge and beliefs and to assess the correlation between perceptions and health motivation. METHODS: Participants (81 males, 92 females) completed two questionnaires: the Osteoporosis Knowledge Test and the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale. Descriptive statistics were performed along with Pearson product-moment correlation analysis to determine the relationships between the variables. Sex-based differences were calculated utilizing independent t-tests. RESULTS: We discovered a statistically significant negative correlation between the barriers to exercise and health motivation (-0.434, p < 0.001) and a statistically significant positive correlation between the benefits of exercise and health motivation (0.385, p < 0.001). However, there was not a statistically significant correlation between health motivation with the following: the benefits of calcium, susceptibility, and the seriousness of osteoporosis. Between males and females, there was a statistically significant difference in exercise and calcium knowledge, susceptibility, and the benefits of both exercise and calcium (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Males and females 35-50 years old perceive themselves to have a low susceptibility to osteoporosis. They do not consider osteoporosis a serious disease and have little motivation to mitigate its inception or progression. Their perceptions show that barriers to exercise impact health motivation more than the perceived benefits of exercise.


Subject(s)
Calcium , Osteoporosis , Adult , Bone Density , Calcium, Dietary , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Osteoporosis/epidemiology
3.
Transl Behav Med ; 11(7): 1348-1353, 2021 07 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34037226

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis. College student alcohol use is highly prevalent and primarily occurs in social settings where risk for COVID-19 transmission is heightened. This study explored the associations between alcohol use frequency, quantity, motives, and context with: (i) quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure and (ii) a positive diagnosis for COVID-19. A sample of n = 409 college student drinkers completed an online survey about their health and behaviors during the Fall 2020 semester. Since the start of the semester, 36% of students quarantined and 13% of students received a COVID-19 diagnosis. More frequent alcohol use was associated with increased odds of both quarantine and COVID-19 diagnosis. More frequent drinking for social motives was associated with increased likelihood of quarantine, and more frequent drinking for conformity motives was associated with increased likelihood of COVID-19 diagnosis. Participants who often drank alone or with a small group of friends were about half as likely to have quarantined, while those who often drank with a large group of friends were almost twice as likely to have quarantined. Participants who often drank in a bar or nightclub had almost three times the odds of a COVID-19 diagnosis. Frequent alcohol use and drinking for social and conformity motives and in certain contexts are linked to increased likelihood of COVID-19 exposure and diagnosis. Alcohol use prevention efforts, coupled with messaging to discourage large social gatherings in public places, might help to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 among college students.


Subject(s)
Alcohol Drinking in College , COVID-19 , COVID-19 Testing , Health Behavior , Humans , Motivation , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2 , Students , Universities
4.
South Med J ; 113(10): 524-530, 2020 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33005971

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To observe the state of knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding the effectiveness of the 2017-2018 H3N2 influenza virus vaccine in a representative sample of college students and determine how many students experienced flu-like symptoms, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated. METHODS: In March 2018, a 19-item survey related to the 2017-2018 flu virus vaccine was e-mailed to a random sample of 4961 rural southeastern university undergraduate and graduate students. A total of 634 students participated. RESULTS: Among 634 respondents, 37.5% received a flu vaccination. Knowledge about the flu was significantly associated with the decision to be vaccinated (χ2 = 18.68, P < 0.001). Of those who received the vaccine, 25.2% reported that they knew "a lot" about the flu. Approximately 28.8% of respondents believed the vaccine to be "very effective" (n = 145). CONCLUSION: Increased knowledge about the flu indicates an association with a higher rate of flu vaccinations among college students.


Subject(s)
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype , Influenza Vaccines/therapeutic use , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Students/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Influenza, Human/virology , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Southeastern United States , Students/statistics & numerical data , Surveys and Questionnaires , Universities , Young Adult
5.
J Relig Health ; 59(1): 484-496, 2020 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27468909

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mediation effect of sexting, and taking sexually suggestive photos on religiosity and hooking-up with three separate sexual outcomes. A web-based survey examined the relationship between religiosity and the three hooking-up outcomes among students reporting sexting or taking a sexually suggestive photo in the last 30 days (n = 231). Sexting, as well as taking sexually suggestive photos mediated the relationship between religiosity and hooking-up among females. Sexting may be initiated by females as a way to engage in a nonphysical sexual interaction, which ultimately predisposes them to a physical sexual outcome.


Subject(s)
Sexual Behavior , Spirituality , Students/psychology , Text Messaging , Female , Humans , Male , Religion and Psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Universities
6.
J Am Osteopath Assoc ; 118(8): 507-517, 2018 Aug 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30073335

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables offers numerous health benefits. However, many college students do not consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables daily. OBJECTIVE: To predict change in fruit and vegetable consumption behavior among college students who were not eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables using the multitheory model (MTM) of behavior change. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a 38-item face-, content-, and construct-valid survey was sent to college students at a large university in the southeastern United States. Students were included in the analysis if they were aged at least 18 years and ate less than 5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day. The survey was broken into sections based on the MTM constructs of initiation of behavior change (participatory dialogue, behavioral confidence, and changes in physical environment) and sustenance of behavior change (emotional transformation, practice for change, and changes in social environment). Stepwise multiple regression was conducted to predict behavior change regarding fruit and vegetable consumption. RESULTS: Of the 5000 potential respondents, 175 completed the survey and were included in the analysis. Behavioral confidence and changes in physical environment were statistically significant predictors of the intention to initiate fruit and vegetable consumption (F2,173=59.700; P<.001) and accounted for 40.2% of the variance. Emotional transformation, practice for change, and changes in social environment were statistically significant predictors for the intention to sustain fruit and vegetable consumption (F3,171=26.374; P<.001) and accounted for 30.4% of the variance. CONCLUSION: Survey results showed that the MTM is a useful framework for designing behavior change interventions to promote fruit and vegetable consumption among college students.


Subject(s)
Diet , Fruit , Health Behavior , Vegetables , Cross-Sectional Studies , Feeding Behavior , Female , Health Promotion , Humans , Male , Regression Analysis , Southeastern United States , Students , Universities , Young Adult
7.
J Am Osteopath Assoc ; 118(8): 519-530, 2018 Aug 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29987315

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Binge drinking is a salient problem on college campuses, with estimates as high as 40% of students engaging in it. Binge drinking is associated with numerous negative consequences among college students, such as suicide attempts, unsafe sex practices, property damage, and driving under the influence. Several behavioral approaches in this regard have had modest impact and only short-term effects, however. OBJECTIVE: To use the multitheory model (MTM) of health behavior change to predict initiation and sustenance of responsible drinking or abstinence among binge-drinking college students in a sample drawn from a large southern public university. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey study included a sample of college students who binge drank in the past 30 days. A 39-item face- and content-valid instrument was used. In addition, construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency reliability using the Cronbach α were established. Hierarchical regression modeling was used to build models. RESULTS: A total of 289 students participated. The Cronbach α for the scale and all subscales ranged from 0.81 to 0.94 and demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability. Construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis yielded 1-factor solutions for each of the subscales. On hierarchical regression modeling, gender (P=.05), race/ethnicity (P=.004), behavioral confidence (P=.029), and changes in physical environment (P=.001) were associated with intended initiation for drinking responsibly/abstinence behavior change. The addition of MTM constructs led to a significant increase in R2 of 0.20 (F3,194=18.1; P<.001). The sustenance constructs yielded a significant increase in R2 of 0.20 (F3,193=19.4; P<.001). CONCLUSION: This study provides empirical justification for MTM constructs that can be used to inculcate the intention to drink responsibly or abstain among college students who binge drink. This predictive model may prove valuable in the design of interventions aiming to improve responsible drinking behavior in this population.


Subject(s)
Alcohol Abstinence , Alcohol Drinking in College , Binge Drinking/psychology , Health Behavior , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Health Promotion/methods , Humans , Male , Models, Theoretical , Multivariate Analysis , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult
8.
Diabetes Spectr ; 31(2): 189-192, 2018 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29773940

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Previous work demonstrates that social support is inversely associated with mortality risk. Less research, however, has examined the effects of the size of the social support network on mortality risk among those with and without diabetes, which was the purpose of this study. METHODS: Data from the 1999-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used, with participants followed through 2011. This study included 1,412 older adults (≥60 years of age) with diabetes and 5,872 older adults without diabetes. The size of the social support network was assessed via self-report and reported as the number of participants' close friends. RESULTS: Among those without diabetes, various levels of social support network size were inversely associated with mortality risk. However, among those with diabetes, only those with a high social support network size (i.e., at least six close friends) had a reduced risk of all-cause mortality. That is, compared to those with zero close friends, those with diabetes who had six or more close friends had a 49% reduced risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.51, 95% CI 0.27-0.94). CONCLUSION: To mitigate mortality risk, a greater social support network size may be needed for those with diabetes.

9.
Int J Health Sci (Qassim) ; 11(4): 13-17, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29085262

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Given the health-care cost and prevalence of preventative health disparities across today's population, it is not surprising that the recent health-care legislation has aimed to address preventative health initiatives. Specifically, weight management counseling is a preventative health initiative that the affordable care act has emphasized. We evaluated motivational counseling (MC) for weight management in a college aged population and to what extent adherence to the program impacts the magnitude of weight loss. METHODS: A total of 120 southeastern US college students from 2009 to 2013 participated in weekly counseling sessions lasting 15-30 min focused on weight management. RESULTS: The study findings indicated a 51% greater weight loss in participants with greater adherence to the MC program. There were no differences across gender or race. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that motivation counseling is an effect modality for addressing obesity-related preventive health disparities.

10.
J Res Health Sci ; 17(1): e00370, 2017 02 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28413165

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A substantial proportion of college students to not drink enough water and consume sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Consumption of SSBs is associated with weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dental carries, and increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Hence, the purpose of this study was to use the multi-theory model (MTM) in predicting initiation and sustenance of plain water consumption instead of sugar-sweetened beverages among college students. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a 37-item valid and reliable MTM-based survey was administered to college students in 2016 via Qualtrics at a large public university in the Southeastern United States. Overall, 410 students responded to the survey; of those, 174 were eligible for the study and completed it. RESULTS: Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that 61.8% of the variance in the initiation of drinking plain water instead of SSBs was explained by behavioral confidence (P<0.001) and changes in the physical environment (P<0.001). Further, 58.3% of the variance in the sustenance of drinking plain water instead of SSBs was explained by emotional transformation (P<0.001) and practice for change (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Multi-theory model of health behavior change is a robust theory for predicting plain water consumption instead of SSBs in college students. Interventions should be developed based on this theory for this target population.


Subject(s)
Beverages , Dietary Sucrose/administration & dosage , Drinking , Feeding Behavior , Health Behavior , Models, Biological , Water/administration & dosage , Cross-Sectional Studies , Dental Caries/prevention & control , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/prevention & control , Emotions , Environment , Feeding Behavior/psychology , Female , Humans , Intention , Male , Obesity/prevention & control , Psychological Theory , Self Efficacy , Southeastern United States , Sweetening Agents/administration & dosage , Thinking , Young Adult
11.
South Med J ; 109(12): 760-766, 2016 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27911969

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To examine the population's perceptions of the Exercise Is Medicine (EiM) initiative, as well as factors that influence the accurate perception of the EiM. METHODS: Participants (N = 179; 24 primary care advanced-level practitioners, 79 exercise science students, and 76 people from the general population) residing in Oxford, Mississippi, were surveyed for this study. RESULTS: Only 34.7% of advanced-care practitioners, 20.2% of students, and 19.4% of the general population defined the term medicine as having treatment and preventive aspects. Awareness of the EiM was reported as follows: advanced-care practitioners, 25.0%; students, 20.2%; and the general population, 14.2%. In total, 45.0% of advanced-care practitioners, 34.7% of students, and 32.9% of the general population defined the EiM as having treatment and preventive aspects; 10.0%, 10.1%, and 31.4% of advanced-care practitioners, students, and general population, respectively, viewed the EiM as being preventive only. Women had a 56% reduced odds of having an accurate perception of the EiM (odds ratio 0.44, P = 0.05). When compared with those perceiving their health as excellent/very good, those perceiving their health as good or worse had a sixfold increased odds of having an accurate perception of the EiM (odds ratio 6.08, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: On average, all of the subpopulations were unaware of the initiative and had misguided perceptions of the EiM. Sex and health status were associated with accurate perceptions of the initiative. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed herein.


Subject(s)
Exercise/psychology , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Health Promotion , Perception , Adult , Attitude of Health Personnel , Female , Health Personnel/psychology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Mississippi , Sex Factors , Students, Medical/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires
12.
Health Promot Perspect ; 6(3): 137-44, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27579257

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Consumption of large portion sizes is contributing to overweight and obesity.College students are a vulnerable group in this regard. The purpose of this study was to use multi-theory model (MTM) to predict initiation and sustenance of small portion size consumption in college students. METHODS: A total of 135 students at a large Southern US University completed a 35-item valid (face, content, and construct) and reliable (internally consistent) survey electronically in a cross-sectional design. The main outcome measures were intention to start eating small portion sizes and continuing to eat small portion sizes. Only those students who ate large portion sizes during the past 24 hours were included. RESULTS: Step wise multiple regression showed that initiation of small portion size consumption was explained by participatory dialogue (advantages outweighing disadvantages), behavioral confidence, age, and gender (adjusted R(2) = 0.37, P < 0.001). Males were less likely to initiate small portion size consumption than females (ß = -0.185, 95% CI = -0.71- -0.11). Regarding sustenance, emotional transformation, changes in social environment, and race were the significant predictors (adjusted R(2) = 0.20, P < 0.001). Whites were less likely to sustain small portion size change than other races (ß = -0.269, 95% CI = -0.97 - -0.26). CONCLUSION: Based on this study's findings, MTM appears to be a robust theoretical framework for predicting small portion size consumption behavior change. Interventions in this regard need to be designed.

13.
Health Promot Perspect ; 6(2): 58-65, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27386419

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Most college students do not adequately participate in enough physical activity (PA) to attain health benefits. A theory-based approach is critical in developing effective interventions to promote PA. The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of the newly proposed multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change in predicting initiation and sustenance of PA among college students. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, a valid and reliable survey was administered in October 2015 electronically to students enrolled at a large Southern US University. The internal consistency Cronbach alphas of the subscales were acceptable (0.65-0.92). Only those who did not engage in more than 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic PA during the past week were included in this study. RESULTS: Of the 495 respondents, 190 met the inclusion criteria of which 141 completed the survey. The majority of participants were females (72.3%) and Caucasians (70.9%). Findings of the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed construct validity of subscales (initiation model: χ2 = 253.92 [df = 143], P < 0.001, CFI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.07, SRMR = 0.07; sustenance model: χ2= 19.40 [df = 22], P < 0.001, CFI = 1.00, RMSEA = 0.00, SRMR = 0.03). Multivariate regression analysis showed that 26% of the variance in the PA initiation was explained by advantages outweighing disadvantages, behavioral confidence, work status, and changes in physical environment. Additionally, 29.7% of the variance in PA sustenance was explained by emotional transformation, practice for change, and changes in social environment. CONCLUSION: Based on this study's findings, MTM appears to be a robust theoretical framework for predicting PA behavior change. Future research directions and development of suitable intervention strategies are discussed.

14.
J Res Health Sci ; 16(4): 228-232, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28087857

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) that leads to an increase in bone fragility, causing an individual to be at an increased risk for fractures. Asian-Indians are at an increased risk for developing osteoporosis. Considering the number of Asian-Indians in the US is rapidly growing, they likely could be an underappreciated population at risk for bone fractures. The aim of this study was to investigate bone health and determine the factors affecting BMD in Asian-Indians living in the US. METHODS: Asian-Indians residing in Northern Mississippi (n = 87) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from June 2013 to August 2014. Eligible participants completed a self-administered Osteoporosis Risk Factor Assessment questionnaire. BMD and body composition were measured using a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan (DXA). RESULTS: Eight-seven Asian-Indians (male: 62.1%) participated, with the average age being 28.49 yr old (SD = 6.62). Overall, 31.0% and 48.3% had low femoral neck BMD and spinal BMD, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that age, percent body fat, and body mass index (BMI) significantly predicted BMD at femur neck (P<0.05). Additionally, percent body fat, BMI, childhood milk consumption, and gender were statistically significant predictors of spinal BMD (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study should be beneficial to healthcare providers that work with Asian-Indian population groups. Health promotion programs focusing on osteoporosis prevention are needed among Asian-Indians to prevent the risk of fractures.


Subject(s)
Adipose Tissue/metabolism , Asian People , Body Composition , Body Mass Index , Bone Density , Bone and Bones/metabolism , Osteoporosis , Adolescent , Adult , Animals , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Feeding Behavior , Female , Femur Neck/metabolism , Humans , India/ethnology , Male , Middle Aged , Milk , Mississippi/epidemiology , Osteoporosis/ethnology , Osteoporosis/etiology , Pilot Projects , Spine/metabolism , Young Adult
15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26515833

ABSTRACT

Compared to the general population, the risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer is considerably higher among individuals with a previous history of this condition. Protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the primary evidence-based approach for minimizing this risk. This review was aimed to assess the prevalence of sun-safe behaviors in non-melanoma skin cancer survivors. Searches were conducted in six electronic databases including PubMed, Psyclnfo, CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC and Science Direct. A narrative approach was adopted to synthesize the data. The findings demonstrated that respondents do not protect themselves optimally from UV radiation exposure. Low levels of perceived skin cancer risk, a lack of knowledge about effective sun protection strategies and the inconvenience associated with sun-safe behaviors appear to explain this finding. A note of caution is required here, as there is a potential for publication bias. Moreover, the results of this study cannot be generalized to all non-melanoma skin cancer patients. Skin cancer survivors must be educated about their increased risk of future skin cancers. Behavioral interventions must be developed to increase the adoption of skin protective behaviors in this high-risk population group.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Basal Cell/psychology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/psychology , Health Behavior , Skin Neoplasms/psychology , Carcinoma, Basal Cell/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Basal Cell/prevention & control , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/prevention & control , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Protective Clothing , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Skin Neoplasms/prevention & control , Sunscreening Agents/therapeutic use
16.
Health Promot Perspect ; 5(2): 147-52, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26290830

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) are exposed to several factors, which have been determined as risks for osteoporosis. Many of these individuals are non-ambulatory, resulting in lack of weight bearing activity, which is well established as a major contributor to bone loss. The purpose of this study was to investigate risk factors for low bone mineral density (BMD) in persons with IDD residing in residential facilities. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at an Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ICF/IDD). Medical records data were used from 69 individuals, including heal scan T-scores, nutritional, pharmacologic and other risk factors. Chi-Square analysis was used to determine relationships between the variables. RESULTS: BMD measures were not significantly associated with age, gender, height, weight, or BMI for this population (P > 0.05). The association between BMD diagnoses and DSM-IV classification of mental retardation approached significance (P = 0.063). A significant association was found with anti-seizure medication (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Follow-up studies should focus on how supplementation and medication changes may or may not alter BMD. Persons with IDD are experiencing longer life expectancies, and therefore, studies ascertaining information on diseases associated with this aging population are warranted.

17.
Health Promot Perspect ; 5(1): 14-23, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26000242

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Research regarding risk factors and prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) among African-American and Caucasian college-aged women are limited. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine if selected predictors of BMD in African-American and Caucasian college-aged women differ by race. METHODS: A total of 101 local African-American (n=50) and Caucasian (n=51) females, ages 18 to 30 years, were in this study. All data were collected in the Bone Density and Body Composition Laboratory. BMD was measured using DXA technology. Race, family history of osteoporosis, BMI, current physical activity, osteoporosis knowledge, length of time on oral contraceptives, age at menarche and calcium intake were included in the multiple regression analyses with spinal and femoral BMD as dependent variables. RESULTS: Overall, 38.6% had low spinal BMD and 7.9% had low femoral BMD. BMI (ß=0.073, R(2) = .148, P = .001, 95% CI [0.030, 0.116]) and current physical activity (ß=0.071, R(2) = .148, P = .017, 95% CI [0.013, 0.129]) were the only variables that were statistically significant in predicting spinal BMD. BMI (ß=0.056, R(2) = .13, P = .010, 95% CI [0.014, 0.098]) and current physical activ-ity (ß=0.078, R(2) = .13, P = .007, 95% CI [0.022, 0.134]) were also the only varia-bles that were statistically significant in predicting femoral BMD. Race was not a significant predictor of spinal or femoral BMD. CONCLUSION: It is imperative for both African-American and Caucasian women to engage in osteoporosis-preventive behaviors.

18.
Res Q Exerc Sport ; 86(1): 5-12, 2015 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25664669

ABSTRACT

Evidence strongly supports a positive, causal effect of physical activity on bone strength and suggests long-term benefits of childhood physical activity to the prevention of osteoporosis. The contribution of healthy bone development in youth is likely to be as important to fracture prevention as the amount of late adulthood bone loss. Families, schools (particularly physical education), and communities are key settings for health promotion focused on bone-enhancing physical activity. However, little research has explored the topic of health promotion and physical education as they pertain to bone health, so best practices are not known. Based on our understanding of the literature, we present the top 10 research questions in health promotion and physical education that should be answered to advance bone-enhancing physical activity in children and adolescents.


Subject(s)
Bone Development/physiology , Health Promotion , Motor Activity , Osteoporosis/prevention & control , Physical Education and Training , Adolescent , Biomedical Research , Bone Density , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Risk Assessment
19.
Ultrasound Med Biol ; 41(2): 557-64, 2015 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25444689

ABSTRACT

To test the validity of published equations, 79 Caucasian adults (40 men and 39 women) aged 50-78 y had muscle thickness (MT) measured by ultrasound at nine sites of the body. Fat-free mass (FFM), lean soft tissue mass (LM) and total muscle mass (TMM) were estimated from MT using equations previously published in the literature. Appendicular LM (aLM) was estimated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and this method served as the reference criterion. There were strong correlations (range r = 0.85-0.94) between DXA-derived aLM and estimated FFM, leg LM or TMM. Total error between DXA-derived aLM and TMM (∼2 kg) was lower compared with the three other selected equations (6-10 kg). A Bland-Altman plot revealed that there was no systematic bias between aLM and TMM; however, the other three equations included systematic error. Our results suggest that an ultrasound equation for TMM is appropriate and useful for evaluating skeletal muscle mass in the body.


Subject(s)
Body Composition , Muscle, Skeletal/diagnostic imaging , Abdomen/diagnostic imaging , Absorptiometry, Photon , Adipose Tissue/diagnostic imaging , Aged , Arm/diagnostic imaging , Body Mass Index , Female , Humans , Leg/diagnostic imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Predictive Value of Tests , Reproducibility of Results , Ultrasonography
20.
Environ Health Prev Med ; 19(6): 467-74, 2014 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25271053

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Considering the potential for occupational sun exposure among state park workers, the purpose of this pilot study was to identify skin cancer knowledge, health beliefs, self-efficacy, and sun protection behaviors (SPBs) among state park employees. METHODS: The current study used a cross-sectional survey research design with state park workers in a Southern state. Of the 94 possible employees who could have participated in the study, 87 completed the survey. RESULTS: Assessment of the participants' skin cancer knowledge demonstrated an average correct response rate of 68.8 %. While the vast majority (87.4 %) believed that skin cancer is a serious disease, a minority (42.5 %) believed they would develop skin cancer sometime during their lifetime, and even fewer (35.6 %) believed their risk was higher than average. Collectively, workers reported low levels of SPBs. The most commonly reported barriers to sun protection were "inconvenient," "too hot to wear," and "forget to protect." Half of the participants (50.6 %) were highly confident in their ability to wear long pants while in the sun. About the same proportion of participants was highly confident they could wear a wide-brimmed hat (21.8 %) and sunscreen (20.7 %). CONCLUSIONS: Based on available evidence, a need exists to develop individual and worksite programs and interventions to increase skin cancer prevention behaviors among this occupational group. This data could serve as a baseline to monitor and evaluate the efficacy of these interventions.


Subject(s)
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Occupational Diseases/prevention & control , Skin Neoplasms/prevention & control , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pilot Projects , Protective Clothing/statistics & numerical data , Risk Factors , Self Efficacy , Sunburn/prevention & control , Sunscreening Agents/therapeutic use , Surveys and Questionnaires
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