Socio-demographic determinants of physical activity (PA): A working class perspective

Continuous work-related sitting time and its association with perceived workplace support for health among workers in the Greater Accra Municipality: a cross-sectional analysis with sensitivity analyses

BACKGROUND

Research to date has shown that work-related sitting time can be a major occupational health risk. This understanding has encouraged several workplace health promotion efforts. Even so, some domains of work-related sitting time and their associations with Perceived Workplace Support for Health (PWSH) have not been considered in research. This study aims to compare domains of work-related sitting time between employee characteristics (e.g., gender and age) and assess their associations with PWSH.

METHODS

This study adopted a cross-sectional design with a sensitivity analysis against confounding and measures against common methods bias. The study population was employees of private and public firms in Accra, Ghana. In all, 1000 employees participated in the study. The hierarchical linear regression analysis and the independent samples t-test were used to present the results.

RESULTS

Employees working in service firms, compared with those working in manufacturing firms, reported longer sitting time for lunchtime. After adjusting for physical function, we found a negative association between PWSH and the sum of continuous sitting time as well as its domains (p < 0.001), except for 'sitting with a desk' (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Work-related sitting time was associated with employee characteristics and was lower at higher PWSH. This study reinforces the importance of workplace support for health and its role in work-related sitting.

Association between wearable device usage and engagement of strength activity among people with and without disabilities

There is a lack of literature examining the engagement in strength activities of people with disabilities (PWD) using and not using wearable devices. The objectives of the current study were to determine the prevalence of strength activity engagement among wearable device users with disabilities, and to compare strength activity engagement between wearable device users and non-users with and without disabilities. Wearable device users and non-users with and without disabilities from eight states of the CDC's 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance were included in the analysis. Linear regression was used to examine the association between wearable device use and disability status and the interaction term for frequency of strength activity per week, while logistic regression was used to determine the association between the two variables and the interaction term for strength activity engagement and meeting strength activity guidelines. 7055 wearable device users and non-users with and without disabilities were included in the analysis. No interaction effects were found between wearable device use and disability status. In unadjusted logistic regressions, wearable device users were more likely to engage in strength activity (OR = 1.16, 95% CI [1.16, 2.20]) and meet strength activity guidelines (OR = 1.50, 95% CI [1.07, 2.09]), whereas PWDs were less likely to engage in strength activity (OR = 0.57, 95% CI [0.44, 0.75]) and meet strength activity guidelines (OR = 0.72, 95% CI [0.53, 0.98]). The use of wearable devices could lead to engagement in strength activity. However, further research is needed to determine its effectiveness in PWD.

Comparison of Participation in Strength Activity Among People With and Without Disabilities: 2013-2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

BACKGROUND

The current physical activity guidelines recommend engagement in strength activities at least 2 days per week. Currently, there is a lack of literature examining strength activities among people with disabilities. The purpose of this study is to estimate and compare the prevalence of engagement in strength activities and adherence to strength activity guidelines among adults with and without disabilities in the United States.

METHODS

A total of 1,005,644 adults (18-80 y old) with and without disabilities from the 2013 to 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were included in this secondary data analysis. Descriptive analyses were performed to describe the prevalence of strength activity behaviors of adults with and without disabilities. Logistic and Poisson regression models were performed to evaluate the relative contribution of disability status on strength activity behaviors.

RESULTS

A higher proportion of participants without disabilities (46.42%, 95% CI, 46.18-46.65) reported engaging in strength activities compared with participants with disabilities (30.68%, 95% CI, 30.29-31.08; P < .01). Participants with disabilities were less likely to engage in strength activities (odds ratio = 0.51, 95% CI, 0.50-0.52; adjusted odds ratio = 0.75, 95% CI, 0.73-0.77) and meet strength activity guidelines (odds ratio = 0.56, 95% CI, 0.54-0.57; adjusted odds ratio = 0.75, 95% CI, 0.73-0.77) than participants without disabilities.

CONCLUSION

Experiencing a disability is associated with lower engagement in strength activities; thus, it is important to identify effective and efficient approaches to promoting strength activities among people with disabilities.

Are individuals with disabilities using wearable devices? A secondary data analysis of 2017 BRFSS

PURPOSE

The study aims to investigate the prevalence of individuals with disabilities who reported using wearable devices, to examine the association between wearable device usage and disability status, and to determine the characteristic of individuals with disabilities associated with wearable device usage using the 2017 Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) through secondary data analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the 2017 BRFSS of eight states were used in the analysis. Descriptive analysis, chi-square analysis, and multivariable logistic regressions were performed. Subsample analyses were also conducted for individuals with disabilities and different types of disability, including visual impairments, hearing impairments, cognitive disability, independent living disability, self-care disability, and mobility disability on wearable device usage.

RESULTS

14.6% (95% CI [11.7, 17.5]) of participants with disabilities were wearable device users. Individuals with disabilities were .63 (95% CI [.48, .83], p < 0.001) and .67 (95% CI [.50, .90], p = 0.007) times the odds of individuals without disabilities in using wearable devices, respectively, according to unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression. Individuals with mobility disability were less likely to utilise wearable devices than their counterparts. Among individuals with disabilities, those who were age 65 years or older had a lower odds of using wearable devices (OR = .55, 95% CI [0.35, 0.85), p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Individuals with disabilities are using wearable devices in collecting various health-related information. Further research is needed to determine reasons why individuals with disabilities are not using wearable devices and how individuals with disabilities are using wearable devices.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONWearable devices can track various health-related information such as physical activity levels, sleep patterns, calories intakes, and chronic health conditions.Using nationally represent data, individuals with disabilities have access and utilise wearable devices in free living setting.Compare to individuals without disabilities, individuals with disabilities are less likely to utilise wearable devices in free living setting.Further research is needed to determine the accessibility of wearable devices for individuals with disabilities and its usage in rehabilitation setting.

Civil servants' physical activity status and its associated factors in Northeast Ethiopia: applying Health Belief Model

Background

Identifying the associated factors of the physical activity of civil servants is necessary to increase the practice of physical activity. However, limited studies addressed associated factors of civil servants' physical activity status in Ethiopia. Hence, this study assessed civil servants' physical activity status and associated factors in Northeast Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from 28 February to 13 March 2020 and measured physical activity using WHO physical activity definition. Four hundred and eight civil servants were interviewed using a systematic random sampling technique. A descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression model were used.

Result

The percentage of physical activity for the civil servants of the study was only 2.38, with the prevalence of physical activity status of 64.0% (95% CI 60.4% to 67.61%). Perceived self-efficacy (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.98, 95% CI 1.15 to 4.12), cues to action (AOR=2.12, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.22) and being a health professional (AOR=2.19, 95% CI 1.13, 4.23) were main associated factors of physical activity. However, physical activity was not affected by respondents' sex (AOR=1.01, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.83), educational status (AOR=0.23, 95% CI 0.03 to 1.91), perceived barrier (AOR=0.97, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.04) or perceived benefit (AOR=1.02, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.09).

Conclusion

The health profession, self-efficacy and cues to action were the main associated factors of physical activity. Hence, the Sports Bureau and Health Bureau should pay attention to providing information by focusing on improving self-confidence and creating a positive attitude toward physical activity.

Associations between vigorous physical activity, social ties, social support, and self-reported health among older adults in Accra, Ghana

Meeting recommended vigorous physical activity (VPA) levels represents a hallmark for healthy living, but VPA in older populations is likely to lead to casualties that may compel older adults to underscore their health. This study examined the associations between VPA, social ties, social support, and self-reported health in an African sample of older adults. This study adopted the cross-sectional design. The study population was community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or higher in Accra, Ghana. A total of 686 older adults responded to self-reported questionnaires. Data were analysed with the Pearson's chi-square test and binary logistic regression. The study found that older adults who had above 5 children were 3 times (AOR = 3.169; p = .002) more likely to participate in VPA for 30 minutes or more a day compared with their peers without children. Having social support from between 1 and 5 people was 28 times (AOR = 28.215; p = .000) more likely to result in good health compared to not having anyone to source social support from. Older adults who participated in VPA for 30 minutes or more were less likely (AOR = 0.129; p = 0.000) to report good health compared with those who participated in VPA for less than 30 minutes. We conclude that when social ties and other personal characteristics are adjusted for, prolonged VPA does not necessarily enhance self-reported health, and not all social ties contribute to VPA and self-reported health.

Older Adults' Vigorous Occupational Physical Activity Levels in Six Countries Are Explained by Country and 'Having Multiple Jobs'

Several studies have compared physical activity (PA) levels between countries, but none of these studies focused on older adults and occupational PA. This study aimed to assess potential inequalities in older adults' occupational PA across six countries and to ascertain whether having multiple jobs is a factor that interacts with country of residence to modify inequalities. This study adopted a cross-sectional design with a statistical technique screening for potential covariates. Older adults (mean age = 64 years; range = 50-114 years) from six countries (Russia, Mexico, China, India, Ghana, and South Africa) participated in the study. We utilised data from the first wave of the Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE). These data were collected from 2007 to 2010. A random sample of 34,114 older adults completed the survey. We analysed the data with a two-way multivariate analysis of variance after screening for the ultimate covariates. There were differences in occupational PA levels (i.e., vigorous and moderate PA) among the six countries. Occupational PA levels were not significantly associated with having multiple jobs. However, having multiple jobs interacted with country of residence to influence vigorous occupational PA. Older adults from most countries who had more than one job reported more vigorous occupational PA. Older adults' occupational PA differed among the six countries, and having multiple jobs was associated with more vigorous occupational PA. Older adults who keep multiple jobs at a time may be more active than their counterparts who had one job or were unemployed.

The relationship between job components, neighbourhood walkability and African academics' physical activity: a post-COVID-19 context

Research to date suggests that physical activity (PA) among academics is insufficient globally. Academics in many African countries were recently required to resume work while observing social distancing protocols. Physical inactivity (PI) was, therefore, expected to increase in such academics. Interestingly, walkable neighbourhoods are resources that could discourage excessive sitting and PI in this situation. This study, therefore, assessed the moderating role of neighbourhood walkability in the relationship between core job components (i.e. on-site teaching, online teaching, research and student assessment) and PA among academics. The study adopted a cross-sectional design that utilized an online survey hosted by Google Forms to gather data. Participants were volunteer full-time academics in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania. A total of 1064 surveys were analysed, with a sensitivity analysis utilized to select covariates for the ultimate hierarchical linear regression model. After controlling for the ultimate covariates (e.g. gender, education and income), PA was found to be positively associated with the job component 'research work' but negatively associated with student assessment. Neighbourhood walkability increased the positive relationship of research work with PA and reduced the negative relationship of student assessment with PA. The non-significant negative relationship between 'teaching online' and PA was made positively significant by neighbourhood walkability. We conclude that research as a job component is positively associated with PA, but online teaching is negatively associated with PA among African academics in a post-COVID-19 context.

The Built Environment and Socio-Demographic Correlates of Partial and Absolute Sedentary Behaviours in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Accra, Ghana

This study examined built environmental and socio-demographic variables as correlates of sedentary behaviour in a population of older adults, and attempted to introduce the idea of measuring sedentary behaviour with two domains, namely 'partial sedentary behaviour' and 'absolute sedentary behaviour'. The study's population was community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or more in Accra, Ghana. A self-reported questionnaire was used to gather data from 504 older people. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to present findings, with all nominal categorical variables incorporated in this analysis dummy-coded. The overall (third) regression model accounted for a variance of 55.9% and a significant F-test [F (25,454) = 22.99; p < 0.001)]. Gender was positively associated with sedentary behaviour - the sedentary behaviour of women was 28 min in excess of that of men. Sedentary behaviour decreased as the social network size and supporting social network of older people increased. Sedentary behaviour decreased as availability of spacious road pavements, secure social recreational centres for older people, and health services in the community increased. The improvement of road safety conditions at the community level and design of the built environment to support social integration of older people are major recommendations of this study.

The Influence of Community-Level Built Environment Factors on Active Social Network Size in Older Adults: Social Activity as a Moderator

Background

This study examined the influence of built environmental factors in the community on active social network size as well as the moderating influence of different dimensions of social activity on this relationship.

Methods

This study employed the cross-sectional and correlational approaches to construct a scale measuring key community-level built environment factors and test the moderating influence of social activity on the association between these factors and active social network size in older adults. The study population was all 3,211 older adults who were resident in Accra and were part of the database of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust. Participants were 515 older adults in Accra aged 60 years or more who met some inclusion criteria. A self-reported questionnaire, including a new scale measuring the built environment factors, was used to collect data. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation and confirmatory factor analysis were used to validate the measurement scales, whereas Pearson’s correlation test and multiple linear regression analysis were used to test the associations of interest.

Results

After controlling for relevant demographic variables, built environment factors in the community have no significant influence on active social network size. Volunteering, support for social ties, and group activity positively moderated the influence of built environment factors on active social network size at p < .05 and β ≥ 0.2.

Conclusion

The study concludes that social activity is essential to the utilization of available built environmental factors by older adults to make active social ties in the community.

Psychometric Properties of a New Scale Measuring Neglect and Abuse of Older Adults in the Community: Implications for Social Activity

Background

Neglect and abuse of older adults are still prevalent in communities of developing countries, a situation that could discourage active and healthy behaviors in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

This study used the cross-sectional and correlational approaches to construct a scale measuring neglect and abuse in older adults living in the community. The study population was all (3,211) older adults who were resident in Accra and were part of the database of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust. Participants were 515 individuals who met some inclusion criteria. Three steps were followed to determine an initial set of 11 items, and principal component analysis with varimax rotation and confirmatory factor analysis were used to select relevant items and assess the psychometric properties of the final scale.

Results

Principal component analysis with varimax rotation yielded a two-factor solution on all 11 items. The first factor extracted was “discrimination and exploitation,” which accounted for a variance of 53.9% out of total variance of 70.8%. The scale had a good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .90, factor loading ≥0.50). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor solution and produced satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity.

Conclusion

It is concluded that 11 items that make up 2 factors are potential indicators of neglect and abuse of older adults at the community level. Finally, neglect and abuse of older people in the community can contribute to an increase or decrease in social activity.