Darbe atlikta teorinė sveikatos, gyvensenos ir fizinio aktyvumo analizė. Iškelta hipotezė, kad Šiaulių universiteto I ir IV kurso studentų sveikatos, gyvensenos ir fizinio aktyvumo rodikliai nėra geri. Anketinės apklausos metodu buvo atliktas tyrimas, kurio tikslas - ištirti Šiaulių universiteto I ir IV kurso studentų sveikatą, gyvenseną ir fizinį aktyvumą. Tyrime dalyvavo 240 Šiaulių universiteto I ir IV kurso socialinės gerovės ir negalės studijų, technologijų, humanitarinio ir edukologijos fakultetų studentai. Atlikta statistinė (aparašomoji dažnių, x² testo) duomenų analizė. Empirinėje dalyje nagrinėjama studentų sveikata, gyvensena ir fizinis aktyvumas. Svarbiausios empirinio tyrimo išvados: 1. Tik nedidelė dalis Šiaulių universiteto tiriamųjų sveikatą profilaktiškai tikrinasi bent kartą per metus (p>0,05), taip pat paaiškėjo, kad stresą patiria visi apklausti tiriamieji (p<0,05), dažniausiai jis patiriamas universitete (p>0,05), tačiau tik kartais (p<0,05). 2. Dauguma Šiaulių universiteto tiriamųjų domisi sveika gyvensena (p>0,05), tačiau paaiškėjo, kad didžioji dauguma Šiaulių universiteto studentų nesilaiko sveiko gyvenimo būdo (p<0,05). Taip pat nustatyta, kad tik kūno kultūrą studijuojantys studentai maitinasi reguliariai (p<0,05). Šiaulių universiteto studentų tarpe narkotinės medžiagos vartojamos retai (nelegalūs narkotikai, cigaretės) (p<0,05), tačiau paaiškėjo, jog studentų bendrabutyje ir nuomojamame (nuosavame) bute alkoholis yra labiau paplitęs... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / It was done in work the theoretical analysis health, lifestyle and to physical activity analysis. The hypothesis sued in Siauliai University that I and IV course students’ health, lifestyle and physical activity indicators are not good. A study has been conducted yourself to the questionnaire, the aim of which is to examine Siauliai University 1st and IVth course students’ health, lifestyle and to physical activity 240 students participated in the survey. Statistical data analysis was performed. In empirical part analyse the students’ health, lifestyle and physical activity. The empirical findings of the investigation: 1. A very small part of health prevention are examined at least once a year (p>0,05), it has also emerged that the vast majority of the respondents are experiencing the stress at the university (p>0,05). Stress only sometimes entailed (p<0,05). 2. The majority of the population is interested in healthy lifestyles (p>0,05) and shall endeavour to adopt a healthy lifestyle (p<0,05). The students found that among drug paraphernalia used rarely (illegal drugs, cigarettes) (p<0,05), but it turned out that the rented apartment or dorm is a high prevalence of alcohol (p>0,05). 3. The vast majority of subjects in the culture of the body (p>0,05), but only from students are physically more than 3 hours per week (p<0,05). Although the study showed that the vast ... [to full text]

Hjärt- och kärlsjukdom är den främsta dödsorsaken i Sverige. Majoriteten av dem kan förebyggas med hjälp av en livsstilsförändring, men för att göra det krävs motivation. En evidensbaserad metod som används för att främja motivation och livsstilsförändringar är motiverande samtal (MI). Syftet med litteraturstudien var att utforska vilka effekter MI kunde ha i sjuksköterskans prevention av hjärt- och kärlsjukdom. Resultatet visade att MI hade en varierande, men genomgående positiv effekt i att förbättra de levnadsvanor som är kopplade till hjärt- och kärlsjukdom. Bland patienterna som hade deltagit i MI visades främst positiva effekter på fysisk aktivitet, kroppsmått och blodtryck. Kostvanorna hade kortsiktigt förbättrats, men långsiktigt varierade det hur länge de goda vanorna kunde behållas. Den hälsorelaterade livskvaliteten förbättrades, men patienterna upplevde dessutom en ökad ångest. Resultatet visade att MI är en effektiv metod i att främja livsstilsförändringar, däremot är val av utformandet av hur MI ska föras, i kombination med andra metoder och vilken patientgrupp som skulle gynnas mest oklart och implicerar vidare forskning i ämnet. / Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Sweden. The majority of all CVDs can be prevented with the help of a lifestyle change, but to do so it requires motivation. An evidence-based approach used to promote motivation and lifestyle changes is motivational interviewing (MI). The aim of this literature review was to explore the effects that MI may have in the nurse’s preventive work against CVD. The results showed that MI had a varied but mainly positive effect in improving lifestyles that are associated with CVD. Among the patients who had participated in MI improvements were shown mainly in physical activity, body size and blood pressure. Dietary habits had improved in the short term, but in the long term it varied how long the good habits could be maintained. The health related quality of life had improved, but the patients also experienced an increase in anxiety. The results showed that MI is an effective method in promoting lifestyle changes, however, it is unclear which design of MI should be chosen, in combination with other methods, and what patient group would benefit the most, which implies further research on the subject.

Background: Cancer and diabetes are the second and twelfth leading global causes of death, respectively. Cancer incidence is increased in diabetics compared to non-diabetics. Common pathobiological pathways are shared by the two diseases: hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, chronic inflammation and altered concentrations of endogenous hormones. These pathways can all directly or indirectly be linked to chronic hyperglycaemia. Lifestyle factors also affect cancer, diabetes and hyperglycaemia. Hypothesis: Chronic hyperglycaemia is the common biological pathway linking cancer, diabetes and lifestyle factors. Chronic hyperglycaemia can be assessed by monitoring glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Aim: The first aim is to investigate whether the link between diabetes and increased cancer risk can be explained by increasing HbA1c levels. Secondly, glycaemic and overall models of lifestyle factors should be developed and compared to determine the relative influence of lifestyle factors on blood glucose level and, subsequently, cancer risk. This could clarify whether improved glycaemic control via lifestyle factors is sufficient to significantly reduce cancer risk. Method: Dose-response meta-analyses on cancer risk and HbA1c levels were performed and the results communicated via a research article. Statistical glycaemic and overall models were developed from published studies on colorectal cancer (CRC), lifestyle factors and HbA1c, via meta-analysis. Log-linear and restricted cubic spline models were considered for studies relating CRC risk to lifestyle factors or HbA1c. Linear models were considered for studies relating HbA1c to lifestyle factors. Only statistically significant models were compared. Results: Increased cancer risk with increasing HbA1c levels was present for a number of cancers, with some cancer types also showing increased risk in the pre-diabetic and normal HbA1c ranges. Comparison of the glycaemic and overall models revealed that HbA1c significantly affected cancer risk and was significantly affected by lifestyle factors. However, the overall effects of lifestyle factors were much stronger than their glycaemic effects (between 9% and 25% difference in risk between overall effects and glycaemic effects at the exposure levels analysed). Glycaemic and overall models for cigarette smoking and chronic stress revealed increased cancer risk with increasing exposure, but decreased cancer risk for increased dietary fibre intake. The glycaemic model for alcohol consumption displayed decreased cancer risk, while the overall model revealed increased cancer risk, emphasising the strong effect of carcinogenic substances in alcohol. Conclusions: Risk for a number of cancers increased with HbA1c levels in diabetic and non-diabetic persons. Cancer prevention by improved blood glucose control seems plausible. The overall effects of lifestyle factors on cancer risk are much stronger than their glycaemic effects. Lifestyle factors alone do not provide enough reduction in blood glucose levels. Other therapeutic strategies for reducing blood glucose levels, such as pharmacotherapeutics or fasting, should be investigated. The possible harmful effects of reducing blood glucose levels, such as neuroglycopaenia, should be considered before implementation of therapeutic strategies. Although there seems to be a strong association between HbA1c and cancer risk, this does not imply causality. The possibility of residual confounding cannot be ignored, even though the most adjusted estimates were used to develop the models, where possible. / MIng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Various hormones have been studied as regards prediction of pregnancy outcome after infertility treatment, but no ideal candidate has been found. Folate and genetic variations in folate metabolism have also been associated with infertility, but it remains unclear how these factors affect IVF pregnancy outcome. It is known that infertility is associated with active folic acid supplement use, but the effect of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors on folic acid supplement use in infertile women has not been well investigated. The overall aim of this work was to obtain information on the prediction of live birth, and to study factors affecting the role of folate and folic acid intake in relation to IVF pregnancy outcome. Infertile women with various infertility diagnoses were studied. Healthy, fertile non-pregnant women were used as controls in three of the studies. Blood samples were taken for assay of eight different hormones, folate and homocysteine, and for genomic DNA extraction. A questionnaire was used to assess background data and use of folic acid supplements. Twenty-four-hour recall interviews were performed for validation of the questionnaire. The studied hormones were not good predictors of live birth. The best predictor was age of the women, together with ovulatory menstrual cycles, and thyroid-stimulating hormone and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) status. Well-educated women, high-status employed women, and married and infertile women used the most folic acid supplements. Infertile women had better folate status than fertile women. However, pregnancy outcome after infertility treatment was not dependent on folic acid intake, folate status, genetic variation of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase or socioeconomic status. In conclusion, AMH levels vary less than those of other hormones during the menstrual cycle, and AMH could be used as a predictive marker of live birth together with age and ovulation. Folate might play a minor role in IVF pregnancy outcome, but the importance of folate as regards other health perspectives should not be forgotten.

Technological advances and mechanization have reduced physical activity levels. Lifestyle in general has become more and more physically inactive. This sedentary lifestyle can lead to the development of hypokinetic diseases which inter alia include risk factors for the development of coronary heart disease. The consequences are a variety of health risk factors that can contribute to heart disease, stroke and mortality. If left unattended, these risk factors can lead to ill health and reduced productivity. Ill health in the corporate sector can lead to presenteeism, absenteeism, high health care costs and reduced productivity. The purpose of this study was to analyze the profiles of physical activity- (PAI), health status- (HSI), lifestyle- (LSI) and coronary risk indexes (CRI) among employees in a financial institution in order to evaluate the impact of physical activity. The research sample includes 475 employees (159 male and 316 female) with a mean age of 35.8 ± 8.6 and 35.1 ± 8.5 for the male and female groups respectively, divided into three age groups ≤35, 36-45 and ≥ 46 years. Results indicated that the majority of the employees were physically inactive and falling in moderate to poor category in terms of health status, lifestyle habits and coronary heart disease risk. The lifestyle index of the older males (≥ 46) was significantly better than those of the younger males. Results also indicated that coronary heart disease risk, lifestyle and health status improve as physical activity levels improve. The lifestyle index of males and females were significantly better among the physical active group. The finding suggest the need for employers and employees to prevent hypokinetic disorders which can cause “presenteeism” which may result in reduced productivity and increased health care costs. The literature also indicate the need for companies to measure and keep track of the health risk profile of their staff, since employees can migrate between low, moderate and high risk categories annually. / Thesis (M.A. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Thesis (M.Sc. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

The combined study of consumer ethnocentrism and lifestyle is a unique approach that marketers can use to determine consumer buying behaviour and to refine market segmentation. In particular, marketers need to study consumer buying behaviour and examine the main influences regarding what, where, when and how consumers buy, as this knowledge will allow marketers to predict how consumers make their purchase decisions and how they will respond to various marketing strategies. A better understanding of the buying behaviour of consumers in a prospective market segment will help marketers to devise more effective marketing strategies for targeting consumers in the particular market segment they wish to pursue, and therefore, market segmentation is an extremely useful marketing tool. The Black Diamond consumer segment in South Africa has been receiving heightened attention from marketers recently due to the increasing purchasing power of this segment, and therefore it is necessary for marketers to gain a more profound understanding of these consumers so that they will be able to address Black Diamonds' specific needs, wants and preferences. This will assist marketers to devise marketing strategies that target the Black Diamond segment more effectively. The primary objective of this study was to determine consumer ethnocentrism and lifestyle among Black Diamonds in Sandton. This objective was addressed by using an adapted version of the Consumer Ethnocentrism Scale (CETSCALE) to measure the level of consumer ethnocentrism among Black Diamonds and by determining the lifestyle of this group by using the activities, interests and opinions (AIO) approach to measure the levels of six lifestyle dimensions, namely fashion consciousness, self–consciousness, health consciousness, homemaking, community orientation, and cost–consciousness. Based on literature consulted, an interviewer–administered questionnaire was developed and distributed to Black Diamond consumers by five fieldworkers in the Sandton area, in the city of Johannesburg, in the Gauteng province. Convenience and judgement sampling (non–probability sampling methods) were used and a total of 200 respondents participated in this study. The validity and reliability of the adapted version of the CETSCALE used in the questionnaire to measure the level of consumer ethnocentrism of respondents, as well as the six batteries of statements used to measure the levels of the respective lifestyle dimensions, were determined by means of factor analysis. The results indicated that consumer ethnocentrism is moderately high among respondents. Furthermore, moderately high levels of fashion consciousness, self–consciousness, health consciousness and cost–consciousness were found among respondents. Low levels of interest were established in homemaking activities and community orientation. It was found that various underlying relationships exist between consumer ethnocentrism and lifestyle dimensions of respondents, specifically between the lifestyle dimensions of health consciousness, homemaking and community orientation. It was further found that significant differences exist between the perceptions of respondents toward consumer ethnocentrism and the lifestyle dimensions in terms of their diverse age categories. It is recommended that marketers should stress product attributes, benefits, and superior aspects of the product by underplaying the product's country of origin, in light of the high level of consumer ethnocentrism prevalent among Black Diamonds. Furthermore, it is recommended that marketers and organisations should adapt and modify their current marketing strategies in order to appeal to the various lifestyle dimensions of Black Diamonds, specifically focussing on the higher levels of fashion consciousness, self–consciousness, health consciousness and cost–consciousness among Black Diamonds, whilst underplaying homemaking and community orientation. By considering consumer ethnocentrism and lifestyle, and realising that these factors affect the buying behaviour of Black Diamonds, marketers will be able to develop effective marketing strategies that will allow them to target the Black Diamond consumer segment more effectively and efficiently. Recommendations for future research include examining consumer ethnocentrism and lifestyle among Black Diamonds in a wider geographic area, drawing a larger sample size from the target population, and being more selective with regard to the respondents included in the study, in order to ensure that the most appropriate respondents do indeed form part of population under scrutiny. Furthermore, in order to improve the validity of the study, future research could be conducted by incorporating more qualitative forms of research such as focus groups and interviews. In addition to the six lifestyle dimensions that were measured in this study, a wider range of lifestyle dimensions can be measured in future research. / Thesis (M.Com. (Marketing Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Increasing criticism by a number of professional fields, including planning, indicates that there is a decline in public health because of poor urban planning practices cannot be ignored. This research examines to what extent urban planning has contributed to the current health level of citizens, and explores how development policies address the criticism that urban planners are encouraging developments with limited opportunities that promote an inactive lifestyle. The findings show policy tools currently available for planners in Winnipeg to use are inadequate to ensure that all new developments conform to the healthy communities philosophy, and despite the limited guidance from planning legislation, the community of Seven Oaks has succeeded in implementing several healthy community initiatives. These initiatives are successful because of partnerships created between agencies, communication with the public, and most importantly, the passion by the stakeholders to develop healthier living opportunities within their community…

Background: A compilation of high quality systematic reviews (SRs) on lifestyle factors associated with adult glioma and meningioma was developed. Methods and Materials: Phase 1 consisted of a systematic overview of existing SRs. For Phase 2, high quality SRs were incorporated in an update. Moderate or low quality SRs which had not been considered in a high quality review were eligible for a de-novo synthesis. Results: Phase 1 resulted in seven moderate to low quality reviews. From this, in Phase 2, smoking, mobile phone and hair dye use were subjected to de-novo reviews. For smoking, it was suggestive that past smokers had an increased risk. For mobile phone use, there was no overall association, however it was suggestive that ipsilateral and high cumulative call time were associated with slight increased risk. No association was observed for personal hair dye use. Conclusions: Despite these null associations, rigorous SR methods were used providing confidence in conveying these results.