Wellness Behaviors and Body Mass Index Among U.S. Adolescents: A Comparative Study
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, September 2018
Pages:
32-39
Received:
22 September 2018
Accepted:
15 October 2018
Published:
1 November 2018
Abstract: Behaviors such as sedentariness, poor nutritional choices and inadequate sleeping put youth at risk of illnesses. Although health and physical education programs are structured to promote the development of various health and physical skills, they are constantly faced with challenges to their continual existence. As such, issues related to body composition ensue and manifest differently across gender and race/ethnicity. This study aimed at examining the relationships between multiple youth risk behaviors and body composition. In addition, gender and racial/ethnic differences between white and black high school students were examined. Bivariate and multivariate examinations of physical activity, dietary behavior, sleep in relation to Body Mass Index (BMI) percentiles, was followed by a comparison of two data sets of the 2013 YRBS (n= 13, 363) and 2015 YRBS (n= 15, 624). The results revealed an existence of gender differences in relationships between physical activity, dietary behavior, sleep duration and BMI percentiles with significant associations in male high school students but not their female counterparts in both data sets. There were no racial differences in the strength of these relationships between Black or African American and White or Caucasian high school students. These findings corroborate the need for gender based interventions and further analyses based on non-subjective measures of those health-risk behaviors, in order to fully understand the relationships. In addition, family, school and community based interventions to the physical inactivity, poor nutrition and poor sleep habits are warranted, and should encircle strategies from various stakeholders.
Abstract: Behaviors such as sedentariness, poor nutritional choices and inadequate sleeping put youth at risk of illnesses. Although health and physical education programs are structured to promote the development of various health and physical skills, they are constantly faced with challenges to their continual existence. As such, issues related to body com...
Show More
An Eight-Week Supervised Fitness Program in Reducing Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among African-American College Students
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, September 2018
Pages:
40-48
Received:
22 August 2018
Accepted:
31 October 2018
Published:
28 November 2018
Abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death of all races in the United States. African-Americans are more likely to die from CVD than whites. One hundred and forty-six African-Americans college students were recruited from a historical black college (HBCU) in North Carolina. A fitness course (PEDU 1541) was required for all students at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). An eight-week program was designed by several certified fitness instructors who teach this course at NCCU. This study was to exam the effectiveness of an 8-week exercise program in reducing CVD risk factors, including cardiovascular fitness, waist circumferences, and body fat percentage (BF%). Students’ BMI, body composition, cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, and trunk flexibility were assessed before and after completion of this 8-week supervised program. All the pre- and post-measurements of the 146 students were compared with a paired-t test to see if there were any significant changes. After 8 weeks of participation in this program, all measurements except their body fat composition improved (p< 0.05). Students’ diet or calorie intake was not controlled during the program in this study. Therefore, no significant change was found in their answers to the modified questionnaire of health behaviors, including alcohol, tobacco, vegetable consumptions before and after they completed this 8-week fitness course. Therefore, increase physical activity level alone may not be sufficient to reduce all risks of CVD in African-American population.
Abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death of all races in the United States. African-Americans are more likely to die from CVD than whites. One hundred and forty-six African-Americans college students were recruited from a historical black college (HBCU) in North Carolina. A fitness course (PEDU 1541) was required for all students ...
Show More
