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PubMed1997

Behavioral risk factors among physicians working at Faculty of Medicine - Ain Shams University.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral factors and lifestyle are increasingly recognized as underlying causes of preventable morbidity and premature death. Physicians frequently advise their patients about quitting smoking, losing weight, and increasing physical activity; so what about their own personal behavioral choices? PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of behavioral risk factors that physicians are currently practicing and its relation to some demographic variables. METHODS: 616 staff physicians, of both sexes, were randomly selected to fill a questionnaire inquiring about major behavioral risks. Among the behavioral risks investigated were smoking, physical inactivity, overweight, non-use of seatbelts. Univariate and multivariate analysis were done in which all behavioral risks were dichotomized into at risk or no risk and related to different demographic factors. RESULTS: 382 physicians participated (response rate 62%). Current smoking among male physicians was 26.6%, past smokers 12.1%, 51% of current smokers reported smoking in front of patients or in clinic. Among all participants, 84% were sedentary (no, or irregular physical activity), 59.9% were overweight (Body Mass Index > or = 25). Regular use of seatbelts was only followed by 11.2%. Routine checkup within the past year was reported by 18.6%, blood cholesterol checkup by 15.4%. Regarding aspects of women's health, a clinical breast examination was done in 32.5% of women physicians > or = 40 years, a cervical smear in 10%, and a mammogram in 7.5%. Different behavioral risks were found to be associated with different sets of demographic variables. CONCLUSION: Efforts are necessary to promote physicians to quit smoking, increase physical activity, lose weight, use seatbelts, screen for chronic diseases, to minimize preventable disorders.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Association between exercise and other preventive health behaviors among diabetics.

Two hundred and seventy patients were studied to investigate the cross sectional association between exercise and other preventive health behaviors in a diabetic population. Patients included both insulin and noninsulin dependent diabetics and were recruited from the Family Practice and Pediatrics Clinics at Bowman Gray School of Medicine. During screening, patients underwent a physical examination as well as completing a survey to assess exercise and health behavior habits. Three exercise groups were compared: (a) patients who expended more than 600 kilocalories per week during exercise, (b) patients who expended 600 kilocalories or less, and (c) patients who did not exercise. The mean body weights of both exercise groups were found to be less than the nonexercise group, and the heavy exercise group also had a lower mean body mass index. Heavy exercisers reported greater caloric intakes than both moderate and nonexercisers. There were no differences found concerning the composition of their diets among groups. The heavy exercise group reported wearing their seatbelts a greater percentage of the time and visited the dentist more often compared with the sedentary group. There were no significant differences found among exercise groups concerning blood sugar monitoring, alcohol consumption, smoking, or in obtaining periodic health examinations. It was concluded that exercise was associated with several, but not a majority, of other healthful behaviors in a population of diabetics.

Blood Glucose↗

PubMed1990

Glycolysis in Anolis carolinensis during agonistic encounters.

We examined the influences of territorial status, encounter outcome, body mass difference, activity, and display on lactate accumulation in adult male Anolis carolinensis during agonistic interactions. Of the pairs of lizards frozen at the onset of an encounter, intruders had significantly higher lactate concentrations than residents. Lactate levels at the onset of an interaction were not significantly different from those at the conclusion, suggesting a limited role for glycolysis during such events. The outcome of an agonistic encounter was not based on fatigue. Individuals that were larger or changed sites had a lower relative lactate concentration at the conclusion of an interaction than smaller or sedentary animals. We consider the influence of autonomic arousal on glycolysis.

Agonistic Behavior↗

PubMed1984

Comparison of dietary and smoking habit changes in physical fitness improvers and nonimprovers.

Changes in dietary, smoking, and alcohol intake habits of men who voluntarily increased their physical fitness level (n = 532) were compared with men who did not increase physical fitness (n = 390). These men were middle-aged (average age = 43 years), initially sedentary and free of disease, and had been examined twice at a preventive medicine clinic within a 1- to 6-year period. Subjects were retrospectively assigned to two fitness groups--improvers and nonimprovers--based on changes in treadmill performance between baseline and follow-up examinations. Fifteen lifestyle variables were assessed by questionnaire and evaluated for change. At baseline the two groups were similar in demographic variables and diet, differing significantly only in follow-up interval (P less than 0.001), treadmill time (P less than 0.001), whole milk consumption (P less than 0.003), and smoking (P less than 0.001). At follow-up, positive changes in health habits were seen for both groups. Statistically significant differences in health habit change between the groups were seen only for beef (P less than 0.003) and coffee (P less than 0.003) consumption (consumption of both decreasing in more improvers than nonimprovers). Smokers at baseline were less likely to improve their physical fitness. We concluded that individuals who voluntarily increased their physical fitness level were not more likely to change their dietary and alcohol habits than persons who maintained a more sedentary lifestyle.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Ovarian dysfunction, stress, and disease: a primate continuum.

Menopause is recognized as a period of increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) and osteoporosis. Vulnerability to these conditions is often attributed to the naturally occurring estrogen deficiency characteristic of this part of the life cycle. Premenopausal reductions in endogenous estrogen occasioned by functional ovarian abnormalities or failure are hypothesized to be similarly pathogenic and to accelerate development of CHD and osteoporosis prematurely, thereby increasing the health burden of older women. These functional abnormalities, which occur along a continuum from mild, luteal phase progesterone deficiency to amenorrhea, are relatively common and are often attributed to psychogenic factors (stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional disturbance), exercise, or energy imbalance. Although numerous investigators have commented on these functional deficits, the abnormalities can be difficult to diagnose and are generally unappreciated for the contribution they may make to postmenopausal disease. Studies in nonhuman primates confirm that these deficits are easily induced by psychological stress and exercise, and that they accelerate the development of cardiovascular disease and perhaps bone loss in the presence of a typical North American diet. However, functional reproductive deficits are also reversible and are thus potentially amenable to environmental or behavioral intervention. Data from both women and nonhuman primates support the hypothesis that functional reproductive deficits are adaptive when triggered appropriately but are detrimental when activated in an environment (e.g., sedentary lifestyle, high-fat diet) permissive to the development of chronic disease.

Amenorrhea↗

PubMed2006

Evidence for a Müllerian mimetic radiation in Asian pitvipers.

Müllerian mimicry, in which toxic species gain mutual protection from shared warning signals, is poorly understood in vertebrates, reflecting a paucity of examples. Indirect evidence for mimicry is found if monophyletic species or clades show parallel geographic variation in warning patterns. Here, we evaluate a hypothesis of Müllerian mimicry for the pitvipers in Southeast Asia using a phylogeny derived from DNA sequences from four combined mitochondrial regions. Mantel matrix correlation tests show that conspicuous red colour pattern elements are significantly associated with sympatric and parapatric populations in four genera. To our knowledge, this represents the first evidence of a Müllerian mimetic radiation in vipers. The putative mimetic patterns are rarely found in females. This appears paradoxical in light of the Müllerian prediction of monomorphism, but may be explained by divergent selection pressures on the sexes, which have different behaviours. We suggest that biased predation on active males causes selection for protective warning coloration, whereas crypsis is favoured in relatively sedentary females.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Application of theoretical models to exercise behavior among employed women.

PURPOSE: This study examines the utility of three theoretical models--the stages of change model, self-efficacy theory, and the decisional balance model--in understanding exercise behavior among employed women. DESIGN: Data for this cross-sectional study were collected as part of a routine follow-up of a worksite-based smoking and health risk appraisal study. SETTING: The study was conducted in three Rhode Island worksites, including one manufacturing company, one medical center, and one retail outlet. SUBJECTS: Of a sample of 431 women who completed exercise questionnaires, 293 reported participation in a physical activity over the previous week. The average age of the sample was 41.1 years, and mean years of education was 12.8. MEASURES: Previously validated measures to determine stage of exercise behavior, exercise self-efficacy, exercise decisional balance, and physical activity participation were administered. Additional demographic information was also obtained. RESULTS: Frequency counts revealed that 39% of the population was sedentary, 34% were participating in irregular activity, and 27% were active. MANOVAs followed by one way ANOVAs revealed that women in Precontemplation scored the lowest and those in Maintenance scored the highest on the self-efficacy, pro, and decisional-balance indices, with the trend reversed on the con scale. A chi-square test revealed that women with one or more young children in the home were more likely to be in a lower stage of exercise adoption. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the women in this cross-sectional study did not engage in regular activity. Presence of young children in the home was significantly related to decreased activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Demography↗

PubMed1999

Nutrients and food groups and large bowel cancer in Europe.

Several uncertainties remain with respect to the role of intake of fat and/or total energy in the aetiology of cancer of the colon-rectum. Between 1992 and 1996, 1953 subjects with cancer of the colon-rectum (median age = 62 years) and 4154 hospital controls were interviewed in six Italian areas. The validated food-frequency questionnaire included questions on 78 foods and recipes, and specific questions on individual fat intake pattern. Significant trends of increasing colorectal cancer risk with increasing intake emerged for bread and pasta, cakes and desserts, and refined sugar. Most vegetables, including pulses, were inversely associated with cancer of the colon and rectum. High fruit intake was associated only with a reduction of rectal cancer. Total energy intake was directly associated with colorectal cancer risk. Among macronutrients, a high intake of starch and saturated fat seemed to lead to an increased risk of cancer. High intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids (chiefly derived from olive oil and seed oils) showed a marginal inverse association with colorectal cancer risk. Among micronutrients, beta-carotene, vitamin E and calcium showed the most consistent inverse associations. An excess of energy intake, particularly from refined bread and pasta, can be an unfavourable feature of the Mediterranean diet with respect to colorectal cancer risk, especially in the presence of sedentary life.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Five months of daily standardized exercise for sedentary monkeys.

A system to physically exercise rhesus monkeys is described, based on their natural capacity to climb. It is composed of an enclosure where a motor-driven rope is continually going down. The two stage training to this task is easily performed. The total work of each run, evaluated with the weight of the animal and the distance climbed, may be very stable. It was used to provide five sedentary monkeys with daily physical training for five months.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Baseline assessment of the health status and health behaviors of African Americans participating in the activities-for-life program: a community-based health intervention program.

Obesity is a serious problem in the United States and is associated with hypertension, diabetes, and other health problems such as heart disease and some forms of cancer. There is a higher prevalence of being overweight among African American adults than among their Caucasian counterparts. The objective of this study was to assess baseline health behaviors and health status (hypertension, body mass indices, cholesterol and blood sugar levels) of African Americans participating in a community-based health education and physical fitness program. The sample consisted of 1.34 African American adults (30% males) from a low-income urban area in the Midwest. A health survey was administered to assess their health behaviors and previously diagnosed health problems. Additional data was obtained from health screenings to obtain current information on height, weight, and blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In addition to the sample being markedly overweight and obese (30% and 60% respectively), the results of the health screenings indicated a disproportionate number of participants (62%) with hypertension; 74% of the male participants had high blood pressure. Moreover, the self-reported data suggested that the participants had poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, and previously diagnosed health conditions (hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels) that were comparable to the results of their health screenings. These findings suggest that culturally-relevant, community-based programs that incorporate both nutritionl education and physical fitness are needed in order to educate and motivate participants to decrease behaviors that put them at risk for obesity and other health related problems.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Older women and exercise: explanatory concepts.

BACKGROUND: Older women remain predominantly sedentary despite potential health benefits and reduced risks of cardiovascular disease associated with regular exercise. Primary care interventions to increase exercise need to focus on constructs amenable to intervention that predict exercise behavior. PURPOSE: The study tested an explanatory model of older women's exercise behavior using concepts from social cognitive theory, the transtheoretical model, and the theory of planned behavior (self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, perceived exercise barriers, processes of change, perceived health, and age). METHODS: Data were collected by interviews with 203 older community-dwelling women physically capable of some exercise. Ordinary least squares regression results were used to determine the direct and indirect effects in a path model. FINDINGS: All concepts and 13 hypothesized paths were retained in the trimmed model. The constructs accounted for 46% of the variance in exercise behavior. Outcome expectancy had the largest total effect. Processes of change had the largest direct effect on exercise behavior. Exercise self-efficacy and perceived exercise barriers accounted for similar amounts of variance in exercise behavior, whereas age and health had only modest effects. CONCLUSION: Important constructs for future exercise model testing and intervention research should include outcome expectancy, processes of change, exercise self-efficacy, and perceived barriers to exercise. Primary care interventions designed to increase older women's exercise should focus on these same constructs.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

A comparative echocardiographic assessment of ventricular function in five species of sharks.

A comparative echocardiographic study was carried out on five shark species that differ in heart morphology and in aspects of their behavior and natural history. The study contrasted the ventricular function in the highly active mako shark (heart type IV) and four other sharks (heart type III) that differ in activity levels (i.e. the sedentary horn and swell sharks vs. the moderately active blue and smooth-hound sharks). All five species exhibited biphasic ventricular filling characterized by an early (conduit) and late (atrial systole) phase. In the mako shark, early filling was dominant as indicated by a higher early flow peak velocity, a greater early:late velocity ratio, and a greater early velocity time integral. In contrast, the late filling phase was the more important filling agent in the other species. Indices of systolic function such as ventricular ejection fraction and ventricular fractional shortening also reflect a more efficient cardiac pumping capacity in mako shark relative to the other four sharks. The comparative echocardiographic assessment of in vivo ventricular function integrates structural and functional features with shark activity level to arrive at a new perspective blending the occurrence of biphasic filling with functional concepts based on heart morphological typology and changing views regarding the role of factors such as central filling pressure and pericardial pressure on end-diastolic ventricular volume.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Demographic and lifestyle predictors of body mass index among offshore oil industry workers: cross-sectional and longitudinal findings.

BACKGROUND: Significant overweight among offshore workers on North Sea oil and gas installations has been linked to high calorie intake, lack of active leisure-time pursuits, and environmental factors conducive to weight gain. However, the prevalence of overweight among offshore workers has not been examined in recent data, and no longitudinal studies of body mass index (BMI) in this occupational group have been reported. Aims The present study sought to examine BMI levels in a sample of UK offshore personnel, and to evaluate demographic factors, smoking and work-related physical activity as predictors of BMI, and 5 year change in BMI. METHODS: Survey data (including age, education, marital status, work-related physical activity and height/weight) were collected in 1995 from male workers on 17 North Sea installations (n = 1581, 83% response rate); follow-up data were obtained in 2000 (n = 354, 34.9% of the potential sample). RESULTS: Overall mean BMI was 25.6 (2.8) kg/m(2): rates of obesity (BMI > 30) and overweight (BMI = 25-30) were 7.5 and 47.3%, respectively. Mean age was 38.7 (8.9) years; linear and quadratic age terms predicted BMI. Age-adjusted BMI values were very similar to those reported from other offshore studies over the past 15 years. Age, marital status, education, smoking and physical activity significantly predicted baseline BMI, but only age (and some interactive effects) predicted 5 year BMI change. CONCLUSIONS: The present age-adjusted BMI values were closely similar to those found offshore in the mid-1980s, but also to recent national data; thus, North Sea personnel do not appear to reflect current population trends towards increased BMI levels. This result accords with the emphasis now given to health promotion (particularly dietary change) on offshore installations; the present findings also highlight the need to focus these initiatives on workers with sedentary jobs and/or low education.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System: summary of data for 1991.

PROBLEM/CONDITION: High-risk behaviors, such as smoking cigarettes and driving under the influence of alcohol, contribute heavily to morbidity and mortality from noninfectious disease and injury. Substantial variation exists among states in the prevalences of these behaviors. REPORTING PERIOD: 1991. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a state-based random-digit-dialing telephone survey of noninstitutionalized adults (> or = 18 years of age). In 1991, 47 states and the District of Columbia participated in BRFSS. The system focuses on behaviors that are related to one or more of the 10 leading causes of death. In 1991, BRFSS also began collecting data on self-reported lack of health insurance. RESULTS: As in previous years, BRFSS data for 1991 indicate substantial state-to-state variation in the prevalence of risk factors such as chronic or binge alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and overweight. In addition to measures reported in previous years, the current report includes state prevalences of high blood cholesterol awareness (range = 13.5%-21.5%; median = 16.9%) and lack of health insurance (range = 7.2%-25.7%; median = 14.5%). INTERPRETATION: Because prevalence estimates vary considerably from state to state, state estimates may be preferable to national ones for use in planning programs. ACTIONS TAKEN: The BRFSS will continue to provide state-specific data about health behaviors to allow states to monitor trends that affect the burden of chronic diseases in the United States.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Understanding physical activity participation in members of an African American church: a qualitative study.

Faith-based interventions hold promise for increasing physical activity (PA) and thereby reducing health disparities. This paper examines the perceived influences on PA participation, the link between spirituality and health behaviors and the role of the church in promoting PA in African Americans. Participants (n = 44) were adult members of African American churches in South Carolina. In preparation for a faith-based intervention, eight focus groups were conducted with sedentary or underactive participants. Groups were stratified by age (<55 years versus >or=55 years), geography and gender. Four general categories were determined from the focus groups: spirituality, barriers, enablers and desired PA programs. Personal, social, community and environmental barriers and enablers were described by both men and women, with no apparent differences by age. Additionally, both men and women mentioned aerobics, walking programs, sports and classes specifically for older adults as PA programs they would like available at church. This study provides useful information for understanding the attitudes and experiences with exercise among African Americans, and provides a foundation for promoting PA through interventions with this population by incorporating spirituality, culturally specific activities and social support within the church.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Behavioral risk factors: a comparison of Latinos and non-Latino whites in San Francisco.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to evaluate differences between Latino and non-Latino White adults in health-related behavioral risk factors. METHODS: Telephone interviews were conducted with 652 Latinos and 584 non-Latino Whites in San Francisco selected by random-digit dialing. RESULTS: Latino men and women, compared with their non-Latino White counterparts, were less likely to have consumed any alcoholic beverage in the previous month (59% and 29% vs 77% and 75%, respectively), consumed fewer drinks per week (6.6 and 3.0 vs 8.9 and 5.1, respectively), and were more likely to be sedentary (40% and 46% vs 17% and 23%). Latina women were less likely than non-Latina Whites to smoke cigarettes (8% vs 29%), to have ever had a Pap smear (76% vs 93%), and to have ever had a clinical breast examination (81% vs 96%). Multivariate analyses adjusting for sex, age, education, and employment confirmed univariate findings. CONCLUSIONS: Behavioral risk factor profiles by ethnicity help emphasize priorities of health promotion programs for a community. Latino needs include maintenance of limited consumption of alcohol and cigarettes, promotion of regular physical activity, and increasing use of low-cost cervical and breast cancer screening tests.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1987

New perspectives on cardiovascular risk factors.

Atherogenic traits, living habits, signs of preclinical disease, and susceptibility all contribute to cardiovascular disease. High low-density lipoprotein is positively related to coronary heart disease, and high high-density lipoprotein is inversely related. Systolic or diastolic hypertension at any age in either sex contributes powerfully. The impact of diabetes is greater for women and varies with the number of accompanying risk factors. High-normal fibrinogen values further escalate risk of these atherogenic factors. An atherogenic life-style is typified by a diet excessive in fat, calories, and salt; sedentary habits; unrestrained weight gain; and cigarette smoking. Moderate alcohol use may be beneficial. Use of oral contraceptives beyond age 35 years and in conjunction with cigarette smoking predisposes one to thromboembolism. Type A behavior carries an increased risk, and men married to more highly educated women and to women in white-collar jobs are more vulnerable. Signs of preclinical ischemia include silent myocardial infarction, left ventricular hypertrophy on ECG, blocked intraventricular conduction, and repolarization abnormalities. Measures of innate susceptibility include a family history of early cardiovascular disease. Quantitative combination of risk factors provides optimal prediction, including persons with multiple marginal abnormalities. Preventive management should also be multifactorial and requires a commitment to behavior modification and alteration in life-style.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

[Increase of physical activity by improvement of the nutritional status].

Physical activity is affected by nutritional modifications and, in turn, influences growth, cognition, social behavior, work performance and other functions. Studies in preschool children showed that: 1. A decrease in energy intake during four to seven days reduced the time allocated to energy-demanding activities and increased sedentary activities. 2. Children with mild weight deficit were more sedentary than well-nourished counterparts. 3. Children became more active when nutritional status improved. 4. A 10% reduction in energy intake reduced total energy expenditure by 15% without affecting weight gain nor basal metabolism. Studies of men working in non-mechanized agriculture showed that: 1. Dietary improvements led to faster salaried work, reduction of napping time and greater physical activity after work. 2. An increase in energy intake increased total daily energy expenditure, tending to maintain energy balance and relatively stable body weight within the cyclic variations of the agricultural year. 3. Food supplementation did not necessarily improve productivity. Other labor incentives without dietary improvements increased energy expenditure during working hours, which resulted in weight loss. In conclusion, good health and nutrition provide the biological basis for adequate physical activity that may improve cognitive development, social interactions, economic productivity and the quality of life of an individual or a population, but other incentives are required for the optimal expression of that biologic potential.

Adult↗