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Johannes C, Roman NV, Onagbiye SO, Titus S, Leach LL. Strategies and Best Practices That Enhance the Physical Activity Levels of Undergraduate University Students: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:173. [PMID: 38397664 PMCID: PMC10888190 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Significant numbers of undergraduate university students are not meeting the physical activity guidelines recommended by the World Health Organisation. These guidelines suggest that university students should aim for 150-300 min of moderate or 75-150 min of vigorous physical activity. Strategic interventions need to be implemented to address this global public health concern. The aim of this study was to review the strategies and best practices to enhance the physical activity levels of undergraduate university students. Utilising the PRISMA guidelines, electronic databases-PubMed, Science Direct, Academic Search Complete, ERIC, Web of Science, CINAHL, SAGE, and SPORTDiscus-were searched between September 2022 and February 2023 using terms and synonyms related to physical activity, strategies, best practices, and undergraduate university students. Studies were critically assessed for their quality using an adapted version of the CASP and RE-AIM frameworks. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria for the review. The studies reported the use of social media platforms, mobile phone applications, web-based technology, online text messages, in-person classes, and an "exergame" as methods to increase engagement in physical activity. Findings from this review indicated that validated questionnaires emerged as the predominant measurement tool. Furthermore, the frequent use of social network sites served as a best practice for implementing and promoting physical activity interventions. It is recommended that universities promote health-enhancing physical activities based on current trends and strategies, such as technology-based interventions and the use of social media, that are relevant to contemporary university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanté Johannes
- Department of Sports, Recreation, and Exercise Science, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; (S.O.O.); (S.T.); (L.L.L.)
| | - Nicolette V. Roman
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families, and Society, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa;
| | - Sunday O. Onagbiye
- Department of Sports, Recreation, and Exercise Science, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; (S.O.O.); (S.T.); (L.L.L.)
- Department of Health and Exercise Sciences, Frederick Community College, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Simone Titus
- Department of Sports, Recreation, and Exercise Science, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; (S.O.O.); (S.T.); (L.L.L.)
- Centre for Health Professions Education, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Lloyd L. Leach
- Department of Sports, Recreation, and Exercise Science, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town 7535, South Africa; (S.O.O.); (S.T.); (L.L.L.)
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Wan DWJ, Goh LSH, Teo MYK, Loh CJL, Yak GHK, Lee JJH, Ravindran N, Abdul Rahman ND, Chiam M, Ong EK, Somasundaram N, Lim YY, Phua GLG, Krishna LKR. Enhancing self-care education amongst medical students: a systematic scoping review. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:37. [PMID: 38191374 PMCID: PMC10773141 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04965-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports of emotional, existential and moral distress amongst medical students witnessing death and suffering of patients during their clinical postings have raised awareness on the need for better psycho-emotional support during medical school. Furthermore, the stress experienced by medical students stemming from the rigours of their academic curriculum underlines the need for greater awareness on mental health issues and better self-care practices across medical training. With such programmes lacking in most medical schools, we propose a systematic scoping review (SSR) to map and address our research question, "what is known about self-care education interventions amongst medical students?". METHODS We adopted the Systematic Evidence-Based Approach to guide a systematic scoping review (SSR in SEBA) of relevant articles published between 1st January 2000 and 30th June 2023 in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, ERIC, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. The included articles were independently and concurrently thematically and content analysed, with complementary categories and themes combined using the Jigsaw Approach. The domains created from the Funnelling Process framed the discussion. RESULTS A total of 6128 abstracts were identified, 429 full-text articles evaluated, and 147 articles included. The 6 domains identified were definition, topics, pedagogy, influences, outcomes and assessment. Most interventions were promising, though peer-led mindfulness-based interventions showed most promise in enhancing engagement, positively impacting personal wellbeing, and improving patient care. Overall, however, self-care education was poorly recognized, adopted and integrated into curricula. CONCLUSION Greater dedicated time and conducive practice environments within medical school curricula is required to enhance medical student wellbeing. Host organizations must ensure faculty are appropriately selected to instil the importance of self-care, be trained to assess and personalize self-care interventions and provide longitudinal assessment and support. Further study into assessing self-care capabilities is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius Wei Jun Wan
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block Level 11, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Laura Shih Hui Goh
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block Level 11, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Mac Yu Kai Teo
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block Level 11, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Celestine Jia Ling Loh
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, 229899, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Gerald Hng Kai Yak
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block Level 11, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Joanna Jing Hui Lee
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block Level 11, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Nila Ravindran
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block Level 11, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Nur Diana Abdul Rahman
- Division of Cancer Education, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
| | - Min Chiam
- Division of Cancer Education, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
| | - Eng Koon Ong
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
- Division of Cancer Education, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
- Assisi Hospice, 823 Thomson Road, Singapore, 574627, Singapore
| | - Nagavalli Somasundaram
- Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
| | - Ying Yin Lim
- Division of Palliative Care, Alexandra Hospital, 378 Alexandra Rd, Singapore, 159964, Singapore
| | - Gillian Li Gek Phua
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
- Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, 8 College Rd, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Lalit Kumar Radha Krishna
- Division of Palliative and Supportive Care, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore.
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road NUHS Tower Block Level 11, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
- Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.
- Division of Cancer Education, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 30 Hospital Boulevard, Singapore, 168583, Singapore.
- Palliative Care Institute Liverpool, Academic Palliative & End of Life Care Centre, Cancer Research Centre, University of Liverpool, 200 London Road L3 9TA, Liverpool, UK.
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, National University of Singapore, Blk MD11, 10 Medical Drive, #02-03, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.
- PalC, The Palliative Care Centre for Excellence in Research and Education, Singapore, PalC c/o Dover Park Hospice, 10 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308436, Singapore.
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Li H, Upreti T, Do V, Dance E, Lewis M, Jacobson R, Goldberg A. Measuring wellbeing: A scoping review of metrics and studies measuring medical student wellbeing across multiple timepoints. MEDICAL TEACHER 2024; 46:82-101. [PMID: 37405740 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2023.2231625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Studies have demonstrated poor mental health in medical students. However, there is wide variation in study design and metric use, impairing comparability. The authors aimed to examine the metrics and methods used to measure medical student wellbeing across multiple timepoints and identify where guidance is necessary. METHODS Five databases were searched between May and June 2021 for studies using survey-based metrics among medical students at multiple timepoints. Screening and data extraction were done independently by two reviewers. Data regarding the manuscript, methodology, and metrics were analyzed. RESULTS 221 studies were included, with 109 observational and 112 interventional studies. There were limited studies (15.4%) focused on clinical students. Stress management interventions were the most common (40.2%). Few (3.57%) interventional studies followed participants longer than 12 months, and 38.4% had no control group. There were 140 unique metrics measuring 13 constructs. 52.1% of metrics were used only once. CONCLUSIONS Unique guidance is needed to address gaps in study design as well as unique challenges surrounding medical student wellbeing surveys. Metric use is highly variable and future research is necessary to identify metrics specifically validated in medical student samples that reflect the diversity of today's students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Tushar Upreti
- Max Rady College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Rady, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Victor Do
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto Temerty, Toronto, Canada
| | - Erica Dance
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Melanie Lewis
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ryan Jacobson
- Office of Advocacy and Wellbeing, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Aviva Goldberg
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba Rady, Winnipeg, Canada
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Ellard OB, Dennison C, Tuomainen H. Review: Interventions addressing loneliness amongst university students: a systematic review. Child Adolesc Ment Health 2023; 28:512-523. [PMID: 36496554 DOI: 10.1111/camh.12614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loneliness is detrimental to mental health, with university students at higher risk of feeling lonely than other population groups. However, little research has explored interventions to reduce loneliness among students. This review identifies the characteristics and effectiveness of interventions targeting university/college students. METHODS PsycINFO, Medline, ASSIA and Web of Science were searched from inception using keywords linked to 'loneliness', 'intervention' and 'students'. Relevant peer and nonpeer-reviewed English-language articles on studies implementing an intervention with loneliness as an outcome and investigating undergraduate or postgraduate students at a higher education institution were included for quality analysis and narrative synthesis. Risk of bias was assessed at both study level and at outcome level. RESULTS Twenty-eight articles were included, comprising 25 quantitative and three qualitative studies, covering 37 interventions, most implemented in the United States. Interventions were based on psychoeducation, social support groups, increasing social interaction or reflective exercises. The age of the participants (n = 2339) ranged from 17.62 to 25 (mean age 20.63) years. Evidence from the RCTs suggests that most interventions influenced loneliness outcomes, but the magnitude of the benefit is unclear. Across quantitative studies, 80% (16/20) of interventions based on either social support groups, increasing social interaction or reflective exercises, and 50% (7/14) of interventions based on psychoeducation were deemed effective in reducing loneliness. Most interventions measured quantitatively were delivered in a group setting, of which two thirds were considered effective in reducing loneliness scores, regardless of intervention. CONCLUSIONS Universities have a choice of interventions to help reduce loneliness among students either on campus or virtually. Ones promoting social connectedness appear to be more successful. More high-quality studies in a larger number of countries are needed, taking vulnerable student groups into consideration.
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Dai P, Yi G, Qian D, Wu Z, Fu M, Peng H. Social Support Mediates the Relationship Between Coping Styles and the Mental Health of Medical Students. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:1299-1313. [PMID: 37155482 PMCID: PMC10122993 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s405580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to explore the impact that coping styles and social support have on the mental health of medical students by constructing a corresponding structural situation model that reveals the complex relationship between these three factors. In doing so, it seeks to help medication students better manage mental health problems. Patients and Methods The online study was conducted between March 6, 2021 and May 6, 2021. A total of 318 participants from multiple medical schools were involved. The general information questionnaire, simple coping style questionnaire (SCSQ), perceived social support scale (PSSS) and symptom checklist 90 (SCL-90) were used to collect relevant information from the subjects by snowball sampling. An independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, and intermediary effect analysis were all used to analyze the relevant data and construct the structural equation model. Results There was a significant difference in SCL-90 between medical students and national college students (1.78±0.70, P < 0.001), and the positive rate of mental health status was as high as 40.3%. Sleep quality, regular diet, and positive coping style were positively correlated with mental health (P < 0.01), while negative coping styles and total scores of coping style as well as family, friends, and other sources of social support and total scores of social support were negatively correlated with mental health problems (P < 0.01). Positive and negative coping styles have an impact on mental health through the mediating effect of between social support and coping styles, as well as in the direct pathway. Conclusion The mental health status of medical students was significantly poor. Medical schools should thus pay close attention to the mental health status of students and encourage them to develop healthy living habits, optimize coping styles, and establish stable sources of social support to improve their psychological wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilin Dai
- School of Nursing, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoguo Yi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Qian
- Department of Clinical Skills Training Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhe Wu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Fu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Min Fu, Department of Ophthalmology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, No. 253, Industrial Avenue Middle, Haizhu, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 18665621066, Email
| | - Hui Peng
- School of Nursing, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, Hunan, People’s Republic of China
- Hui Peng, School of Nursing, Hunan University of Medicine, No. 492, Jinxi South Road, Huaihua, Hunan, People’s Republic of China, Email
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Leuchter RK, Stuber ML, McDonald AL, Croymans DM. Relationship between exercise intensity and stress levels among U.S. medical students. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2022; 27:2027651. [PMID: 35048776 PMCID: PMC8786247 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2022.2027651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity may protect the mental health of medical students, yet it is unknown which types and intensities of physical activity have the greatest potential to improve medical student well-being. OBJECTIVE We characterize the relationship between exercise intensity and stress levels of U.S. medical students, thereby informing the design of future well-being interventions. DESIGN Two cross-sectional validated surveys assessing stress and physical activity were administered one year apart at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. A total of 1,046 out of 1,392 medical students responded (75%). An ordered logistic regression was used to determine the association between stress and each level of exercise intensity (inactivity, moderate-activity, and health-enhancing physical activity [HEPA]). These exercise intensity groupings were compared to the CDC guidelines for aerobic exercise. RESULTS While achieving either moderate-activity or HEPA is compliant with the CDC guidelines for aerobic exercise, the additional intensity of exercise required to achieve HEPA was associated with a 26% increase in the probability of being in the lowest stress quartile and a 22% decrease in the probability of being in the highest stress quartile. Medical student physical activity levels were on-par with the national average per the CDC exercise guidelines (65% vs. 58%), but medical student HEPA levels were significantly lower than the national average (27% vs. 64%; OR 0.21; 95% CI 0.12-0.37). CONCLUSIONS There is a large disparity in rates of the highest intensity physical activity (HEPA) between medical students and the age-adjusted national average, which has previously been overlooked by the binary CDC exercise guidelines. The fact that HEPA levels are not optimized and more strongly associated with lower stress levels relative to less intense forms of exercise makes it a promising new target for future well-being interventions among medical trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard K. Leuchter
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Margaret L. Stuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Austin L. McDonald
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Daniel M. Croymans
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Mohmand S, Monteiro S, Solomonian L. How are Medical Institutions Supporting the Well-being of Undergraduate Students? A Scoping Review. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2022; 27:2133986. [PMID: 36268575 PMCID: PMC9590426 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2022.2133986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Medical students experience significant stress and impacts on mood due to multiple factors. Unmitigated stress impacts both physical and mental health while increasing the risk of unethical behavior. It is important for medical institutions to identify strategies that effectively reduce perceived stress and improve the well-being of their students. METHODS The authors undertook a scoping review of the literature to identify strategies implemented by medical educational programs to improve the well-being of medical students. RESULTS Of 1068 articles identified, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions were categorized as mindfulness-based programs, reflection groups, curriculum changes, and 'miscellaneous.' All studies assessed outcomes of student stress/resilience, as well as additional domains including academic performance, mental health, and interpersonal skills. Some also assessed the acceptability of the intervention to students. CONCLUSIONS Despite the heterogeneity of interventions and outcome measures, a clear theme emerged that institutionally-provided strategies to promote student well-being tend to be effective when students opt into the program. It was noted that adding mandatory content or activities to a medical program without creating adequate space or support for it can have the opposite effect. Further high quality intervention studies involving randomization, blinding and rigorous controls are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakila Mohmand
- Research Department, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sasha Monteiro
- Research Department, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leslie Solomonian
- Research Department, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Examining the Dose-Response Relationship between Outdoor Jogging and Physical Health of Youths: A Long-Term Experimental Study in Campus Green Space. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095648. [PMID: 35565043 PMCID: PMC9102522 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have demonstrated that outdoor physical activity positively affects the physical health of young people. Here, we aimed to examine the extent to which outdoor jogging was associated with the physical health of youths, and then to decipher whether a dose–response relationship exists between them. A total of 2852 youths from a Chinese university were enrolled in a long-term experimental study between September 2018 and September 2019. We conducted two waves of physical health tests for 2852 youths (before and after the jogging interventions in 2018 and 2019, respectively) using China’s National Student Physical Health Standard (NSPHS). Paired t-tests were used to examine statistical differences. A multiple regression model was used to evaluate the associations between jogging and physical health. The results showed that: statistically significant changes in the two waves of physical health outcomes were suggested after jogging interventions; outdoor jogging in campus green space was associated with participants’ physical health after controlling for covariates; and a dose–response relationship between jogging and physical health outcomes was revealed, with 120–140 km/year (approximately 3.43–4 km/week) being the most effective intervention dose. Our findings have implications for promoting physical health in youth groups by encouraging outdoor physical activity.
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Haque A, Mansoor S, Malik F, Ahmed J, Haque Z. Comparison of Quality of Life of Medical Students in Annual and Modular System in Public Sector Medical Colleges in Karachi, Pakistan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL STUDENTS 2022. [DOI: 10.5195/ijms.2022.1028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The annual system is regarded as the oldest but foundational trends of teaching, with its curriculum based on subject wise learning and clinical rotations accordingly. The modular system has a curriculum that encompasses modules based on different organ systems and processes, with the basic and clinical sciences taught cohesively.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out, including 404 students of three different public sector medical colleges in Karachi. QoL was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, which comprised of 26 items. Data analysis was done via SPSS v.20. Kruskal Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare scores among different years of medical study and between different curricular systems, respectively.
Results: Out of 404 students, 81.3% were females, 18.3% were males. The mean age of the sample was 21.23±1.29 years. According to the year of study, significant differences were observed in physical health and overall QoL domain (p<0.05), with 3rd-year students having the highest scores. When comparing annual and modular systems, the modular system yielded a better QoL with a mean score of 83.34. The overall QoL of students in clinical years was found to be significantly better (p<0.05) than the students present in preclinical years.
Conclusion: Overall QoL score in the modular system was slightly higher than the annual system, but a significant difference was noted only in the environmental domain between the two systems. It was also noted that the QoL of students in clinical years was better than preclinical years.
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Worobetz A, O' Regan A, Casey M, Hayes P, O' Callaghan M, Walsh JC, Bengoechea EG, Woods C, McGrath D, Glynn LG. Lessons learned from a pandemic: implications for a combined exercise and educational programme for medical students. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:255. [PMID: 35395796 PMCID: PMC8990684 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03290-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 'MED-WELL' programme is a combined exercise and educational intervention designed to promote well-being among medical students and educate students about prescribing exercise as medicine in clinical practice. Due to COVID-19 public health restrictions of social distancing the 'MED-WELL' programme was offered online instead of in-person in 2021. The aim of this study is to compare the experiences of participants in the 'MED-WELL' programme online to those that previously participated in the same programme in-person to understand the student experience and optimize programme delivery. METHODS Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 participants to a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Ten study participants took part in the 'MED-WELL' programme when it was offered in-person, and the other ten study participants took part in the programme when it was offered online. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed using Microsoft Teams. A combined inductive and deductive approach was used for analysis. An inductive thematic analysis was utilized to categorize data into higher order codes, themes, and overarching themes. The theory of online learning provided the theoretical framework for a deductive approach. RESULTS Analysis of the data produced five overarching themes: 'student-student', 'student-teacher', 'student-content', 'student-environment', and 'effects of a pandemic'. The first four themes detail distinct types of interaction that participants had with various entities of the 'MED-WELL' programme and the effects that these interactions had on participant experiences. 'Effects of a pandemic' refers to the context of delivering the 'MED-WELL' programme online during a pandemic and how this mode of delivery influenced participants and the programme. CONCLUSIONS Optimizing the 'MED-WELL' programme relies on an understanding of how participants interact with different entities of the programme and are motivated to attend and engage. Participants tended to favour an in-person mode of delivery, however certain advantages of delivering the programme online were also identified. The findings from this study can be used to inform similar experiential and educational exercise interventions, and may help plan for potential future restrictions on in-person educational and exercise-based programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubree Worobetz
- School of Medicine and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Andrew O' Regan
- School of Medicine and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- HRB Primary Care Clinical Trials Network, Galway, Ireland
| | - Monica Casey
- School of Medicine and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- HRB Primary Care Clinical Trials Network, Galway, Ireland
| | - Peter Hayes
- School of Medicine and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- HRB Primary Care Clinical Trials Network, Galway, Ireland
| | - Mike O' Callaghan
- School of Medicine and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Jane C Walsh
- School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Enrique García Bengoechea
- HRB Primary Care Clinical Trials Network, Galway, Ireland
- Physical Activity for Health Research Cluster, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Catherine Woods
- HRB Primary Care Clinical Trials Network, Galway, Ireland
- Physical Activity for Health Research Cluster, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Deirdre McGrath
- School of Medicine and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Liam G Glynn
- School of Medicine and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
- HRB Primary Care Clinical Trials Network, Galway, Ireland.
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O'Regan A, Pollock M, D'Sa S, Niranjan V. ABC of prescribing exercise as medicine: a narrative review of the experiences of general practitioners and patients. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2021; 7:e001050. [PMID: 34150320 PMCID: PMC8174512 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exercise prescribing can help patients to overcome physical inactivity, but its use in general practice is limited. The purpose of this narrative review was to investigate contemporaneous experiences of general practitioners and patients with exercise prescribing. METHOD PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Cochrane reviews were reviewed using the terms 'exercise prescription', 'exercise prescribing', 'family practice', 'general practice', 'adults' and 'physical activity prescribing'. RESULTS After screening by title, abstract and full paper, 23 studies were selected for inclusion. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies revealed key experiences of general practitioners and patients. Barriers identified included: physician characteristics, patients' physical and psychosocial factors, systems and cultural failures, as well as ambiguity around exercise prescribing. We present a synthesis of the key strategies to overcome these using an ABC approach: A: assessment of physical activity: involves asking about physical activity, barriers and risks to undertaking an exercise prescription; B: brief intervention: advice, written prescription detailing frequency, intensity, timing and type of exercise; and C: continued support: providing ongoing monitoring, accountability and progression of the prescription. Multiple supports were identified: user-friendly resources, workshops for doctors, guidelines for specific illnesses and multimorbidity, electronic devices, health system support and collaboration with other healthcare and exercise professionals. DISCUSSION This review has identified levers for facilitating exercise prescribing and adherence to it. The findings have been presented in an ABC format as a guide and support for general practitioners to prescribe exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew O'Regan
- School of Medicine, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Saskia D'Sa
- School of Medicine, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Vikram Niranjan
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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