ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: This pilot study investigated the effectiveness of a distance-based e-health program delivered across multiple rural Federal Credit Union worksites that focused on physical activity and dietary education. Program design and implementation were based on the premises of Social Impact Theory (SIT). METHODS: A sample of fifty-four participants (47 white. 7 black) aged 24 to 58 across different worksite locations completed 10 weeks of e-health delivered physical activity and dietary intervention. Pre to post weight changes were examined as a primary outcome. RESULTS: The findings showed that regardless of worksite location, participants on average reduced their weight by 10.13 lbs if they completed both the exercise and lunch and learn components of the study compared to a decrease of 2.73 lbs for participants who chose not to engage in the exercise related activities. Participant dropout from either group was less than four percent. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show the beneficial influence of physical activity integration using SIT upon distance programs targeting weight loss. In addition, the high adherence and weight loss success show promise and demonstrates the potential for e-health delivered exercise and lifestyle interventions. Further replication of results via additional randomized controlled trials is needed.
Subject(s)
Diet , Exercise , Health Education/methods , Health Promotion/methods , Occupational Health , Weight Reduction Programs , Adult , Female , Humans , Life Style , Male , Middle Aged , Pilot Projects , Young AdultABSTRACT
Tanto con animales como con humanos se ha demostrado que el estrés puede causar daños en la salud. También se ha mostrado que algunas variables psicológicas modulan la relación entre el estrés y la enfermedad. En el presente trabajo se sumarizan los resultados de varios estudios realizados en México sobre distintas variables psicológicas relacionadas con la salud de las personas. Se mencionan resultados de estudios para validar cuestionarios para medir estrés vital y apoyo social percibido. También se muestra evidencia de que es factible medir el apoyo social como una auténtica variable independiente, utilizando los juicios de otras personas sobre su disposición para interactuar con un individuo. Se muestra evidencia de que las primeras personas que brindan apoyo son las responsables del efecto benéfico del apoyo social, mientras que prestadores de ayuda adicionales tienen efectos cada vez menos pronunciados. Se reseñan estudios que mostraron que al igual que en otras culturas el estrés tiene un efecto nocivo sobre la salud de los mexicanos y que el apoyo social mitiga dichos efectos nocivos. Diferente de otras culturas, en México la feminidad y no la masculinidad es el factor que mitiga los efectos dañinos del estrés, mientras que el afrontar los problemas no modula la relación estrés-enfermedad.
It has been shown that with both animals and humans stress can damage health. It has also been shown that some psychological variables modulate the relation between stress and health. The present paper summarizes the results from various studies done in Mexico regarding the effect of several psychological variables on people's health. The paper presents results from studies in which the social readjustment rating for adults and for elementary school children were validated in Mexico. Data regarding the validation in Mexico of the social support questionnaire are also presented. The results from a study that used the reports of school peers about their willingness to interact with an individual showed that social support can be measured as an authentic independent variable. The paper also reviews the results from studies that showed that as predicted by social impact theory, the first perceived helpers are responsible for the beneficial effects of social support while the effect of each additional helper is only marginal. The paper summarizes the results from studies that showed that as in other countries stress predicted reliably the frequency with which children and adults experienced somatic symptoms and that perceived social support mitigated the noxious effects of stress. Different from other countries, in Mexico femininity and not masculinity mitigated the noxious effects of stress on health while coping strategies did not modulate the effects of stress.
