scholarly journals Do Undergraduate Students Change Their Attitudes to People with Obesity After Following a Healthy Lifestyle Challenge?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1312-1312
Author(s):  
Jin Yannan

Abstract Objectives To test whether following a healthy lifestyle challenge for 21 days led to a change in student attitudes to people with obesity. Methods Students on an undergraduate BMedSci (Hons) Medical Science program were invited to take part in a healthy lifestyle challenge, and each of the participants selected one positive change to either their diet or physical activity levels, which they had to follow for 21 days. All challenges were approved by nutritionists to ensure their challenges were risk-free. During this period participants joined a social media group to support each other and discuss their progress. Before and after the 21 days participants were asked to complete a validated questionnaire ‘Attitudes to obese persons’ (Allison et al. 1991) which consists of 20 Likert scale questions, where they indicated how much they agreed or disagreed with each statement. Data were anonymised and analysed using Paired Samples T-Test, with the level of significance set at P < 0.05. Results Thirty-seven students completed the first questionnaire however only 29 of them (78%) completed the second one. The drop-out rate was due to the second questionnaires being collected after a teaching session which was less well-attended than the first. Despite students reporting that they felt following their challenge made them more empathetic to the struggles that people with obesity may face when trying to lose weight and improve activity levels, their underlying attitudes did not change, and there were no significant differences in their questionnaire answers between before and after their challenge. Conclusions Taking part in a 21-day healthy lifestyles challenge did not change student attitudes to people with obesity. Developing more empathy did not seem to change underlying attitudes in this cohort, and it may be that such a short period of time is not enough to lead to significant changes. Funding Sources This work was supported by a Frontrunner Internship from De Montfort University, UK.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 253-269
Author(s):  
Nuntiporn Raungsawat ◽  
Tipamas Chumworatayee

This study mainly examines the effect of Vocabulary Self-Collection Strategy (VSS) instruction on students’ vocabulary knowledge. Moreover, it investigates the students’ perceptions towards the implementation of VSS instruction. Thirty-eight Thai EFL undergraduate students majoring in English at a university located in Thailand participated in the study. To determine the students’ vocabulary knowledge before and after the instruction, the vocabulary pretest and posttest were employed. A perception questionnaire and a semi-structured interview were conducted at the end of VSS instruction to elicit the students’ perceptions towards VSS instruction. The paired samples t-test analysis indicates that the students improved short-term vocabulary retention, and they could retain vocabulary learned after VSS instruction. The results from the questionnaire and the semi-structured interview showed that they mostly agreed that VSS instruction assisted them in learning new words, memorizing word meaning, having a chance to choose their own words to learn, sharing words to classmates, working in a group, and realizing the importance of learning new words. The findings will help Thai EFL university students improve their vocabulary learning and generate an innovative body of knowledge regarding vocabulary instruction. Pedagogical implications are also suggested for EFL teachers who want to implement VSS in their vocabulary instruction.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuntiporn Raungsawat ◽  
Tipamas Chumworatayee

This study mainly examines the effect of Vocabulary Self-Collection Strategy (VSS) instruction on students’ vocabulary knowledge. Moreover, it investigates the students’ perceptions towards the implementation of VSS instruction. Thirty-eight Thai EFL undergraduate students majoring in English at a university located in Thailand participated in the study. To determine the students’ vocabulary knowledge before and after the instruction, the vocabulary pretest and posttest were employed. A perception questionnaire and a semi-structured interview were conducted at the end of VSS instruction to elicit the students’ perceptions towards VSS instruction. The paired samples t-test analysis indicates that the students improved short-term vocabulary retention, and they could retain vocabulary learned after VSS instruction. The results from the questionnaire and the semi-structured interview showed that they mostly agreed that VSS instruction assisted them in learning new words, memorizing word meaning, having a chance to choose their own words to learn, sharing words to classmates, working in a group, and realizing the importance of learning new words. The findings will help Thai EFL university students improve their vocabulary learning and generate an innovative body of knowledge regarding vocabulary instruction. Pedagogical implications are also suggested for EFL teachers who want to implement VSS in their vocabulary instruction.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 632-640
Author(s):  
Jennifer P. Agans ◽  
Oliver W.A. Wilson ◽  
Melissa Bopp

Objective: To assess the extent to which college student physical activity behaviors and attitudes are associated with enrollment in required, but self-selected, health and wellness courses. Participants: Data were analyzed from 1473 undergraduate students (60% women) taking health and wellness courses at a large northeastern university. Methods: Demographic characteristics and activity levels at the time of course enrollment were assessed in relation to course selection and activity levels after course completion. One-way analysis of variance tests were used to assess the differences in the characteristics of students enrolling in different types of health and wellness courses, and paired samples t tests were used to assess the differences in physical activity and related attitudes from the time of enrollment to the end of the semester. Results: Course selection was predicted by demographic characteristics and precourse activity levels. Overall, no significant change in activity levels was observed over the course of one semester, although some effects were observed within certain types of activities. Conclusions: When given the option, college students appear to select health and wellness courses that match their current activity levels. These courses do not significantly change the average student’s behavior or attitudes about physical activity.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 107
Author(s):  
Adi Heryadi ◽  
Evianawati Evianawati

This study aims to prove whether transformational leadership training is effective for building anti-corruption attitudes of villages in Kebonharjo village, subdistrict Samigaluh Kulonprogo. This research is an experimental research with one group pre and posttest design.Subject design is 17 people from village of 21 candidates registered. Measuring tool used in this research is the scale of anti-corruption perception made by the researcher referring to the 9 anti-corruption values with the value of reliability coefficient of 0.871. The module used as an intervention made by the researcher refers to the transformational leadership dimension (Bass, 1990). The data collected is analyzed by statistical analysis of different test Paired Sample Test. Initial data collection results obtained sign value of 0.770 which means> 0.05 or no significant difference between anti-corruption perception score between before and after training. After a period of less than 1 (one) month then conducted again the measurement of follow-up of the study subjects in the measurement again using the scale of anti-corruption perception. The results of the second data collection were analysed with Paired Samples Test and obtained the value of 0.623 sign meaning p> 0.05 or no significant difference between post test data with follow-up data so that the hypothesis of this study was rejected.


HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 479c-479
Author(s):  
L. Kozeko ◽  
V. Troyan ◽  
L. Musatenko

In orthodox seeds the cell division within the embryo meristems arrests during maturation at embryo moisture content (MC) 65% to 47%, and the maturation completion and transition of seeds to quiescent state occurs at MC about 10%. The arrest of cycling happens asynchronously in different meristematic tissues during desiccation: first in shoot and then in root. The aim of this work was to define a mitotic activity dynamics in recalcitrant seeds with the high MC at maturation end and the absence of quiescent state characteristic of it. The object was seeds of Acer saccharinum, using widely for planting of greenery in Kiev city. The mitotic activity was determined in 0.5 mm of the embryo root pole (RP) and 0.5 mm of the shoot pole with embryo leaves (SP). The A. sachharinum seeds completed them maturation at MC 53% (FW basis). During maturation the mitotic index (MI) in RP decreased from 3.2% in immature seeds (at embryos MC 80%) to 0 in mature seeds and in SP–from 5.4% to 3.3%, respectively. Cell division in SP arrested by dehydration of mature embryos to MC 46% by PEG 6000 (30%). The seeds lost viability by desiccation to MC 34%. The mature seeds were able to germinate immediately after abscission. During seed germination the cell division reactived in RP and increased in SP already before root protrusion. In plantlets 10–15 mm long the MI increased to 8% in RP and 12% in SP. Thus, the strategy of immediate germination of recalcitrant A. sachharinum seeds includes a preservation of cell division in SP of mature embryos, in contrast with orthodox seeds, and high mitotic activity levels in meristems of germinating embryos before and after root protrusion.


Author(s):  
Aliki Peletidi ◽  
Reem Kayyali

Abstract Aims The primary aim of the programme was a minimum of a 5% weight reduction of the initial weight, while the secondary outcomes were a reduction in participants’ body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), AUDIT-C score and an increase in the Mediterranean diet (MD) score and an improvement in physical activity levels. Methods This 'before and after' study was a 10-week weight management (WM) programme and it was developed and delivered in community pharmacies in Patras chosen for convenience, thus consisting the first service of its type in Greece. The sample size was calculated (n = 96) based on the mean BMI for a Greek male and female individual, and the standard deviation (SD) of weight at baseline of 14 kg. Results Nearly every participant enrolled in the 20 participating pharmacies, 97.4% (n = 114/117), achieved the programme’s aim, losing at least 5% of their initial weight. The mean percentage of total weight loss of the 117 participants at the 10th week was 8.97% (SD 2.65), and the t-test showed statistically significant results (P-value < 0.001; 95% CI [8.48, 9.45]). A significant reduction in the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was observed in both male (P-value = 0.004) and female (P-value < 0.001) participants. The participants’ BP and AUDIT-C score and physical activity levels significantly improved (P-value < 0.001), as well as their MD score. Conclusion This study provides the first evidence that Greek pharmacists have the potential to play an important role within primary healthcare and that after training they are able to provide public health services for both the public’s benefit and their clinical role enhancement.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Alves Da Silva ◽  
I Aguiar-Ricardo ◽  
N Cunha ◽  
T Rodrigues ◽  
B Valente-Silva ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are established interventions to improve cardiovascular health, despite asymmetries in referral. With covid 19 outbreak, cardiac rehabilitation home based (CR-HB) programs emerged as an alternative. However, its adherence and implementation may vary greatly with socio-demographic factors. Purpose To assess adherence to the various components of a CR-HB program.  Methods Prospective cohort study which included patients (pts) who were participating in a centre-based CR program and accepted to participate in a CR-HB after the centre-based CR program closure due to COVID-19. The CR-HB consisted in a multidisciplinary digital CR program, including: 1.patient clinical and exercise risk assessment; 2.psychological tele-appointments; 3. online exercise training sessions; 4.structured online educational program for patients and family members/caregivers;  5. follow-up questionnaires; 6. nutrition tele-appointments; 7. physician tele-appointments Adherence to the program was assessed by drop-out rate; number of exercise sessions in which each patient participated; number of educational sessions attended and a validated questionnaire on therapeutic adherence (composed of 7 questions with minimum punctuation of 7 and maximum of 40 points). Results 116 cardiovascular disease (CVD) pts (62.6 ± 8.9 years, 95 males) who were attending a Centre-based CR program were included in a CR-HB program. Almost 90% (n = 103) of the participants had coronary artery disease; 13.8% pts had heart failure; the mean LVEF was 52 ± 11%. Regarding risk factors, obesity was the most common risk factor (74.7 %) followed by hypertension (59.6%), family history (41.8%), dyslipidaemia (37.9%), diabetes (18.1%), and smoking (12.9%).  Ninety-eight pts (85.5%) successfully completed the program. Almost half (46.9%) of the participants did at least one online exercise training session per week. Among the pts who did online exercise training sessions, 58% did 2-3 times per week, 27% once per week and 15% more than 4 times per week.  The pts participated, on average, in 1.45 ± 2.6 education sessions (rate of participation of 13,2%) and therapeutic adherence was high (39,7 ± 19; min 35-40).  Regarding educational status of the pts, 33 pts (45,2%) had a bachelor degree. These pts tended to participate more in exercise sessions (1,7 ± 1,7 vs 1,2 ± 1,4 sessions per week) and in education sessions (2.13 vs 1.6), although this difference was not statistically significant. The therapeutic adherence did not vary with patients’ level of education.  Conclusion Our results showed that a high percentage of patients completed the program and almost half were weekly physically active. However, in regard to educational sessions, the degree of participation was much lower. Educational status seemed to correlate with a higher degree of participation and, in the future, patient selection might offer better results in these kinds of programs.


Author(s):  
Khawla Loubani ◽  
Rachel Kizony ◽  
Uzi Milman ◽  
Naomi Schreuer

Background: Women after breast cancer (BC) cope with decreased daily participation and quality of life (QOL) due to physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. This study examined a hybrid occupation-based intervention, Managing Participation with Breast Cancer (MaP-BC), to improve daily participation in their meaningful activities. Methods: Thirty-five women after BC phase were randomly allocated to the MaP-BC intervention (n = 18) or control (n = 17) group (standard care only). Assessments were administered at baseline (T1), 6-week (T2), and 12-week (T3) post-T1. Main outcome: perceived performance and performance-satisfaction with meaningful activities according to the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Secondary outcomes: retained activity levels (Activity Card Sort), QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast), cognitive abilities (Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function), and upper-extremity functioning (Disability of Arm, Shoulder, Hand). Results showed significant interaction (group x time) effects for the primary outcome in performance, F(2,66) = 29.54, p = 0.001, ɳP2 = 0.472, and satisfaction, F(2,66) = 37.15, p = 0.000, ɳP2 = 0.530. The intervention group improved more in performance, t = 5.51, p = 0.0001, d = 1.298, and satisfaction, t = −5.32, p = 0.0001, d = 1.254, than the control group between T1 and T2. Secondary outcomes demonstrated within-group improvements. Conclusion: MaP-BC, a comprehensive occupation-based hybrid intervention tailored to women’s functional daily needs after BC, improved participation in meaningful activities within a short period.


2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 299-316
Author(s):  
Curt Davidson ◽  
Alan Ewert

Background: Increasingly colleges and universities are utilizing Outdoor Orientation Programs (OOPs) to help incoming students assimilate into college life. These programs have shown promise in recent analyses for enhancing desired outcomes with particular consideration shown to pro-social behavior and retention outcomes. Purpose: To examine how effective OOPs are in preparing students for a successful college student experience, particularly with variables known to influence student success and commitment to college. Methodology/Approach: Data were collected from four universities across the United States. Participants in this study were 205 undergraduate students from 17 to 25 years old who self-enrolled in their respective institutions OOP. This study used the College Student Readiness Inventory to generate a hypothesis concerning the possible effects of an OOP experience concerning predictive and outcomes variables relative to college student commitment. Findings/Conclusions: Using SmartPLS, the main effects of the OOP indicated predictive relationships between Commitment to College and Goal Striving, Communication Skills, Social Activity, Emotional Reactivity, Study Skills, and Social Connection. Academic Self-Discipline, Academic Self-Confidence, and Self-Determination on Commitment to College. Implications: Study findings suggest specific connections between predicting college student commitment before and after an OOP.


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