The objective of the diploma theses "The Phenomenon of Healthy Lifestyle in the Online Setting: Public Research" is to introduce detailed characteristics of the audience consuming media subject matter focusing on healthy lifestyle. For this purpose the audience is defined as a group of readers of the thematic blog. At the same time the readers are linked up into the social network community and lead discussions of the given topic. The first part of the theses sets a theoretical framework of the healthy lifestyle phenomenon in the society and in the media. It is followed by the research of the audience using quantitative and qualitative indicator methods. Initially a "research preview" based on a questionnaire is completed, which provides general characteristics of the audience. The qualitative research realized by the method of the grounded theory using a form of half-structured dialogues with selected people from the audience describes in detail the role of healthy lifestyle in their lives and which values in this field these people follow. It also describes their habits connected with the consumption of the media subject matter focused on the topic, while the main emphasis is put on media channels in the online setting.

Name: Opinion of children of senior school age on physical activity, health and sport Aim: The aim of the diploma thesis is to create a comprehensive overview of issues associated with physical activity, health, sport and healthy lifestyle. This thesis investigates the knowledge and opinions of school children at second stage of Primary School on healthy eating, exercise and lifestyle. It further explores what factors influence students to take care of their lifestyles and whether there are differences in their opinions on healthy lifestyle influenced by gender, family or school they attend. The task of the work also determines whether the students of two selected primary schools in Slaný have a different opinion on the above mentioned physical activity, health, nutrition, physical education and sport. This thesis as well explains the students' motivation resulting in healthy lifestyle and discusses why are students entertained by physical education and sport as well as why they are not. Methods of the research: To obtain results relevant to the thesis, we have chosen a quantitative method - a questionnaire. It is a noninvasive anonymous survey which focuses on individuals in the older school-age - the second stage of Primary School. The essence of investigation is in collection of data and...

TITLE: The development of health literacy through mother's centers AUTHOR: Renata Hromková DEPARTMENT: Department of Education SUPERVISOR: MUDr. Bc. Rostislav Čevela, Ph.D. ABSTRACT: The World Health Organization defines health literacy as "... the cognitive and social skills which determine the motivation and ability of people to access, understand and use health information to support their health." At present there is a great development of information in this area, but this information is often improper and contradictory. Maternity centers with their programs, which are suitable for the development of health literacy. Since 1992, when the birth of the first in our maternity center has been a great development of these organizations. Now, the covering organization of Mothers' Centers Network, which has a motto on its website: "The hand that moves the cradle moves the world.", Brings together more than 330 maternity centers. This password can be transformed in a plane Health Literacy "Healthy Family = healthy society". Clients maternity centers become often the women already pregnant and traffic concerns mainly families with young children through grandparents, which is a suitable environment for primary prevention in a holistic approach to health. YMCA in the Czech Republic has in its emblem the red...

Education on Healthy Lifestyle at Secondary School ABSTRAKT This thesis deals with am issue of healthy lifestyle among pupils at secondary schools. The aim of the thesis is to find out information, or knowledge, attitudes to and perception of the hidden curriculum of school corresponding to healthy lifestyles area. The theoretical part pursues the analysis of the concept of health and healthy lifestyle, includes a view of curriculum documents related to educational training for health and focuses on teacher as the major component affecting students in shaping the relationship and the principles relating to a healthy lifestyle. Practical part describes the level of knowledge of students, the degree of compliance with the principles of a healthy lifestyle and a measure of the hidden curriculum, which the pupils at the school are influenced by. Based on the results of the research the design for inspiration of the theme of healthy lifestyle education, which can be used in teaching practice, is stated.

This research examined the psychosocial factors influencing physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake behaviour, intentions and health cognitions in secondary school children in the United Arab Emirates. Study 1 examined the prediction of Theory of Planned Behaviour (Ajzen, 1991) and Prototype/Willingness Model (Gibbons and Gerrard, 1995) on behaviour, intentions and cognitions in 536 secondary school students. Findings indicated that attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and prototype perceptions accounted for a significant proportion of behavioural intentions, after controlling for parental behaviour. Prototype variables, especially similarity, improved the predicting validity of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Some differences between age and gender were noted. Prototype similarity appeared to be the strongest predictor of behavioural intentions out of the prototype measures. Study 2 tested the effectiveness of an action planning intervention (Gollwitzer, 1993) and image intervention (Gibbons and Gerrard,1995) in 188 secondary school students. A longitudinal design was employed collecting data over 6 months measuring behaviour, behavioural interventions and components from the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Prototype/Willingness Model. Participants in the action‐planning group were asked to form specific implementation intentions of physical activity and fruitand vegetable intake. Participants in the image group were asked to consider favourable behaviour specific prototype and describe them. Findings revealed no significant intervention effects on intentions or behaviour. Some significant effects were seen on health cognitions across time points and conditions. Study 3 explored knowledge, outcome expectations, facilitators and social modelling, drawing from Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1986) by conducting 8 semistructured focus group interviews (N=40). Emerging themes were: ‘Knowledge of physical activity’, ‘Impact on health, wellbeing and physical appearance’, ‘Having fun together’, ‘Important role models’ ‘Knowledge of healthy eating’, ‘Physical and psychological rewards’, ‘Availability and appearance’ and ‘Sometimes yummy and sometimes yucky’. Findings highlighted enjoyment and social factors as strong influences of physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake. The overall findings provided some evidence for future implications and further quantitative and qualitative approaches were recommended to further establish the influential factors of children’s healthy eating and physical activity habits in the Middle East.

Master of Arts / Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work / Gerad Middendorf / Despite ideals of justice and equality, certain segments of the U.S. population are denied the rights and privileges available to the more affluent. This thesis examines the relationships between 1) neighborhood race and class composition and 2) food availability. We explore the extent to which physical and social isolation affects healthy food availability to groups marginalized by race and class. Specifically, we examine the relationship between residential racial and income composition and the availability of healthy foods. We use census tract data from the 2010 U.S. census and 5-year estimates from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey for Topeka, Kansas. For data on food stores we use InfoUSA, a professionally maintained database that provides detailed information on a variety of businesses. We verify this data with various “on the ground” techniques. We conclude with a discussion of the relevance of this work to the knowledge base regarding food environments in the United States.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Hospitality Management and Dietetics / Junehee Kwon / The purpose of this study was to assess the food choices and consumption of soldiers and their satisfaction with current and initial military training (IMT) menu standards through a survey and analysis of food selection and consumption. Participants were recruited during lunch periods before and three weeks after implementing IMT menu standards, which are healthier than current menu standards, in an Army dining facility (DFAC). Direct observations, digital photography, and plate waste methods were used to assess soldiers’ food selection and consumption. A survey was also administered to determine soldiers’ attitudes toward health, nutrition knowledge, reported food selection and consumption behaviors, and overall satisfaction with meals served under the two menu standards. Food selection and consumption were evaluated using the Army’s Go for Green Nutrition Labeling Program and the Military Dietary Reference Intakes (MDRIs). Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated to summarize and compare data, and to identify potential associations among variables. A total of 172 and 140 soldiers participated before and after the menu change, respectively. Soldiers’ food selection patterns were similar to the proportion of green-, yellow-, and red-labeled items offered in the DFAC under both menu standards and significantly improved after the intervention (p<0.001). Soldiers consumed 886 kcal (38.6% from total fat and 11.2% from saturated fat) and 1784 mg of sodium before the menu change. Three weeks after the change, all figures improved (705 kcals, 31% of kcals from total and 9% from saturated fat, and 1339 mg of sodium) (p<0.01). Overall satisfaction and meal acceptability before and after the intervention were not different, and “food appeal” ratings actually improved. With the exception of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, attitudes toward health were significantly associated with all reported food behaviors (p<0.01) but not with actual behaviors (p>0.05). Nutrition knowledge significantly influenced some but not all aspects related to attitudes toward health. Perceived hunger levels were positively associated with intakes of calories, protein, total fat, sodium, and cholesterol (p<0.05). Findings suggest that implementing the IMT menu standards in non-trainee Army DFACs is feasible and has the potential to improve the overall healthfulness of soldiers’ food selection and consumption.

Thesis. (M.Tech. (Food Service Management, Dept. of Hospitality and Tourism and PR Management))--Vaal University of Technology, 2009. / Background - Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes the disease Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). the IV/AIDS epidemic in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) has already orphaned a generation of children, and it is projected that by 2010, 18 million African children under the age of 18 years are likely to be orphans (Andrew, Skinner & Zuma 2006:269-276). In 2005 approximately 4.1 million people died of AIDS-related illnesses. A common consequence of HIV/AIDS infection is malnutrition and weight loss, which is used as a diagnostic criterion for HIV/AIDS. the relationship between HIV/AIDS and malnutrition and wasting is well desccribed, with nutritional status compromised by reduced food intake, malabsorption caused by gastrointestinal involvement, increased nutritional needs as a result of fever and infection and increased nutritional losses. Malnutrition contributes to the frequency and severity of the opportunistic infections seen in HIV/AIDS and nutritional status is a major factor in survival. Failure to maintain body cell mass leads to death at 54 percent of ideal body weight. The effectiveness of nutrition intervention has been documented and counselling in dietary nutrition is considered critical in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Objective - The main objective of this study was to determine the nutritional status of the HIV/AIDS-affected or immunity compromised children attending a care centre in Boipatong in order to develop an energy bar to address malnutrition in these children. Methodology - This was an experimental study carried out in four phases. The planning of the study constituted the first phase. In the second phase a baseline survey was conducted, in which a socio-demographic questionnaire (n=45) was administered amongst children aged six to 13, with the assistance of trained fieldworkers. Dietary intake was measured by a 24-hour recall and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and anthropometric measurements included height and weight. The data from the socio-demographic questionnaires and FFQ were captured on an Excel spreadsheet. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows version 15.0 program was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics were used (frequencies, means and SD. The 24-hour recall was analysed for means and Standard Deviation (SD) of nutrient intakes on the FoodFinder program version 3.0 and compared to Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). The anthropometric measurements were analysed using the WHO growth standards (2007). Phase 3 incorporated the development of the snack bar, sensory evaluation, microbiological tests for shelf life determination and chemical analyses to determine nutrient content. Phase 4 entailed the writing of the report. Results - In the baseline survey the results indicated that this was a low-income community with compromised nutrtion, mainly under-nutrition owing to poor dietary intake despite a good variety of foods in the diet. All the households included in this study were resident in Boipatong and the majority (86.5 percent) have lived in Boipatong for longer than five years. although the majority of respondents resided in brick houses (69 percent), only 30 percent had access to water inside and outside their houses, 23.1 percent had access to water, 78.4 percent had access to electricity and 75 percent had regular waste removal. The percentage of unemployed among the children's caregivers was high (60.9 percent) and the majority of households (40 percent) had an income on R500-1000 per month, with two contributors of household income in 57 percent of the households. Although the average household consisted of five people, the houses were relatively small with 75 percent of all the households having four or more rooms. All of the households experienced problems such as rodent and insect infestation. The household food security was also a dilemma in this community as 70.6 percent of the respondents indicated that they bought food only once a month and the majority of households spent less than R150 (5.4 percent of household income) on food per month i.e. less than R37.50 per week. The anthropometric results indicated 29 percent stunting, and 23 percent underweight among the boys in the target group, compared to 30 percent and 0 percent for the girls respectively. The criteria applied in developing the snack food were to achieve at least 25 percent of vitamin A, vitamin C, Vitamin E, certain B-group vitamins and minerals such as selenium, zinc and iron to meet the recommended dietary allowances (RDA). Since the results showed that 67 percent of households had an electrical stove, an easily prepared recipe was formulated which could be taught to the caregiver. Moreover, at R1.50 per person per day, the product was cost-effective and proved safe as well as acceptable to the children, thus ensuring compliance when the feeding intervention is implemented. The sensory evaluation of the snack item showed that it was acceptable to the majority of the children as it received a high score for taste, general appearance and overall acceptability. The snack food item was tested for shelf life and the results showed a shelf life of 168 days in a refrigerator and a recommeded shelf life of 21 days at room temperature (30 C). Conclusions and recommendations - The results indicated that poverty, household food insecurity and malnutrition were prevalent in this community. Furthermore, the study proved that a product could be developed to meet specific criteria. It is recommended that this product be tested in a clinical intervention study to determine the impact on the nutritional status of children with compromised immunity. / National Research Foundation

ABSTRAKT Bakgrund: I världen diagnostiseras cirka 160 000 barn under 15 år varje år med cancer. När ett barn drabbas av cancer förändras livet för hela familjen, föräldrarnas fokus hamnar på det sjuka barnet och ensam kvar blir det friska syskonet. Alla familjemedlemmars behov bör uppmärksammas och tillgodoses. Syfte: Att beskriva friska syskons upplevelser av att leva med ett barn i familjen som drabbats av cancer. Metod: En litteraturstudie sammanställdes av åtta kvalitativa studier som samtliga kvalitetsgranskats och analyserats.   Resultat: Resultatet presenteras i tre kategorier och tio subkategorier. Kategorierna är: Att hantera den svåra situationen - omvälvande känslor, behov av information och delaktighet och tröst och stöd från omgivningen. Förändrade relationer i familjen - familjen splittras, syskonrelationen förändras, känsla av utanförskap och minskad uppmärksamhet. En annorlunda vardag - längtan efter ett normalt liv, ett ökat ansvar och gynnsamma konsekvenser av sjukdomen. Konklusion: Att känna delaktighet och vara nära sin familj är viktigt för de friska syskonen. Vården måste se syskonens behov, ge stöd och information för att de ska kunna hantera den svåra situationen. / ABSTRACT Background: Every year approximately 160 000 children under 15 years are diagnosed with cancer. When a child suffering with cancer life changes for the whole family, the parents have the focus on the sick child and the healthy sibling will be left alone. All family members’ needs must be recognized and accommodated. Aim: The aim of this literature study was to describe the healthy siblings’ experiences of living with a child in the family affected by cancer. Method: A literature study of eight qualitative studies have been reviewed and analyzed. Result: The results are presented in three categories and ten subcategories. The categories are: Dealing with the difficult situation - disruptive feelings, needs for information and involvement and comfort and support from the environment. Changing relationships in the family - to divide the family, sibling relationships change, a sense of alienation and decreased attention. A different everyday - the longing for a normal life, greater responsibility and favorable consequences of the disease. Conclusion: To feel involved and being close to the family is important for the healthy siblings. Healthcare must see the siblings' needs, provide support and information to enable them to cope with the difficult situation.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / The educational landscape in South Africa is unique and has also seen many changes since the dawn of democracy more than 20 years ago. The apartheid education system was marred by severe inequalities between schools and, for this reason, the democratic government post 1994 established a number of policies and interventions in an attempt to improve access, equity and quality between schools. The country has made significant advances in improving access to education. This is reflected in the Millennium Development Goals progress indicators showing that, as of 2013, almost all learners between the ages of 7 and 15 were enrolled in schools. While great strides have also been made with regard to equity, evidence shows that many schools in South Africa are still largely inequitable. Education quality, however, is an area that is still of grave concern and the matter requires much attention from educational stakeholders. International studies, such as the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), use learner performance to measure the quality of the system. Such studies consistently report that South Africa is performing poorly and that large inequalities still exist between schools in the country. Improved quality is associated with effective schools and, in South Africa, only 20% of schools have been found to be functional or effective. Much of research focussed on school effectiveness, both nationally and internationally, however has been explained by factors in the school, including the appropriateness of curriculum content, infrastructure, resources in the school and teacher content knowledge. These factors have been found to be strongly correlated with effective schools.