The associations between social support change and physical activity trajectory from late adolescence to young adulthood

Lifestyles of university students: analyzing the role of social support and family dynamics

BACKGROUND

Youth is a critical stage for developing healthy lifestyles, as the habits and behaviors formed during this period can persist into adulthood. Understanding the relationship between family factors and the lifestyles of university students can contribute to creating strategies to improve this important health determinant. This research aimed to analyze the relationship between social support, family dynamics, and lifestyles in young university students.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional descriptive study.

METHODS

A probability sample of 530 young university students was analyzed. The main measurements included social support, family dynamics, and lifestyles. Descriptive analysis of quantitative and qualitative variables was performed. Pearson correlation coefficient was used for bivariate analysis, and Student's t-test was used to analyze differences between male and female participants. Additionally, multivariate analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

For the total sample, a positive and moderate association was found between family dynamics (r = 0.28) and social support (r = 0.32) with the lifestyles of young individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that social support and family dynamics are possible protective factors that have a positive effect on the lifestyles of university students. The findings of this study highlight the importance of family and familial support in adopting healthy lifestyles among university students.

Determinants of physical activity habit formation: a theory-based qualitative study among young adults

PURPOSE

Engagement in physical activity significantly contributes to reducing the onset and severity of chronic diseases. Nonetheless, establishing habits around this behaviour remains a persistent challenge. This research endeavours to discern the determinants influencing the formation of physical activity habit among young adults in Israel, drawing upon a socio-ecological model.

METHODS

A qualitative approach with phenomenological-hermeneutical method was used. In-depth interviews were carried to cover four levels of the socio-ecological model.

RESULTS

Interviewees were categorized into three subgroups according to their physical activity habit strength: Habitually physically active (n = 8), Variably physically active (n = 11), and physically inactive (n = 6). The content analysis yielded four overarching themes associated with physical activity habit formation. Intrapersonal determinants encompassed personal traits, perceptions and attitudes, perceived benefits, and emotional responses related to physical activity. Interpersonal determinants encompassed social support, modelling support, and peer pressure. Community determinants pertained to social norms, resource availability, and accessibility. Finally, public policy considerations encompassed educational policies as well as workplace policies and cultural influences.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the unique determinants contributing to the formation of physical activity habit. As intrapersonal and interpersonal factors are significant determinants, interventions should focus on these elements in order to promote this behaviour among young adults.

Behavior Change Techniques in Physical Activity Interventions Targeting Overweight and Obese Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Substantial evidence globally confirms the benefits of physical activity (PA) interventions for the physical and mental health of overweight and obese children and adolescents. However, current research has yet to determine which behavior change techniques (BCTs) are most effective in PA interventions for this population. This systematic review aims to evaluate the application of BCTs in PA interventions for overweight and obese children and adolescents and to identify the most effective BCTs using the promise ratio. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) were searched up to 31 May 2024, to identify intervention studies meeting the eligibility criteria for promoting PA in the target population. Thirteen studies were included (nine randomized controlled trials and four quasi-experimental studies). The quality of the included studies was assessed using a revised version of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies tool. Among the 24 BCTs implemented, the most frequently applied were goal setting (behavior), instruction on how to perform the behavior, feedback on behavior, and self-monitoring of behavior. Action planning, social support, and material incentives showed the most significant potential to promote PA. These findings provide valuable insights for designing future PA interventions for this group, with the potential to improve health outcomes and enhance PA participation among obese children and adolescents.

Social Support and Physical Activity in College and University Students: A Meta-Analysis

Although physical activity (PA) has a profound impact on health, many college and university students are still physically inactive. There is some evidence to suggest that social support (SS) could impact the PA levels of students, but the internal relationship and specific effects are not very clear. The purpose of this review was to determine the strength of the relationship between SS and PA and examine whether any potential associations differed in terms of age, gender, and region among college and university students. Studies were identified using the following electronic databases: PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Sociological Abstracts. Moderator analyses investigating the effects of students' age, gender, and region (nation) were performed. This review included 19 articles. The results showed total SS was significantly associated with PA (r = 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.22, 0.37], p < .001). With respect to different types of support, friend support was more strongly associated with PA than family support. Gender factors had a significant moderating effect on the correlation between SS and PA (QM = 17.433, p < .001). Separate analyses examining the moderating effects of gender (percentage of females) found that the association between SS and PA was stronger with the increase in female percentage. In conclusion, SS is an important factor associated with PA levels and should foster SS within intervention programs according to types of SS and gender differences to increase PA levels among college and university students.

The relationship between healthy lifestyles and cognitive function in Chinese older adults: the mediating effect of depressive symptoms

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have proven the positive relationship between healthy lifestyles and cognitive function in older adults. However, the specific impacts and mechanisms require further investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether healthy lifestyles and cognitive function were associated with Chinese older adults and whether depressive symptoms mediated their association.

METHODS

8272 valid samples were included using the latest data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Pearson's test was applied to investigate the relationship between the key variables. Regression models were employed to examine the mediating effects of healthy lifestyles, using Sobel's test and the bootstrap method to confirm path effects.

RESULTS

There was a significant correlation between healthy lifestyles, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function (p < 0.01). Healthy lifestyles directly impact cognitive function (β = 0.162, p < 0.01). Healthy lifestyles had a significant effect on depressive symptoms (β=-0.301, p < 0.01), while depressive symptoms have a significant impact on cognitive function (β=-0.108, p < 0.01). Depressive symptoms partially mediated the effect of healthy lifestyles on cognitive function (β = 0.032, p < 0.01). The Sobel and bootstrap tests confirmed the robustness of the regression analysis results.

CONCLUSION

Depressive symptoms mediate the relationship between healthy lifestyles and cognitive function. Our findings suggest that prevention strategies for cognitive impairment in older adults should focus on healthy lifestyles and mental health.