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Special Issue "Population Health and Physical Activity across the Lifespan"

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health-Related Quality of Life and Well-Being".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 13533

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Viktória Prémusz

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Guest Editor

1. Institute of Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
2. National Laboratory for Human Reproduction, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
Interests: epidemiological statistics; health-related quality of life

Dr. Pongrác Ács
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Faculty of Health Science, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
Interests: sport economy; health science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. József Betlehem
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Guest Editor

Institute of Emergency Care and Pedagogy of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Vörösmarty Street 4, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
Interests: health sciences

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Regular physical activity has beneficial effects on physical, mental, and social health. However, maintaining adequate physical activity is becoming increasingly difficult as most environmental and working conditions have become sedentary. It has been shown that staying at home and other restrictions can increase the long-term risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders associated with unhealthy and inactive lifestyles. Although, maintaining regular physical activity and exercise routines, especially during pandemics, have a protective effect against anxiety, depression, and viral infections as well. Accordingly, several governmental and professional organizations have formulated recommendations to increase or even maintain physical activity. In line with the scope of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health this Special Issue intends to provide authors with a platform to contribute their research on the effects of physical activity and exercise on health status of the general population in particular during and after the restrictions due to COVID-19 and of the population of athletes. The Special Issue supplement may cover not just physical but mental health, health literacy, and physical literacy as well, we would like to publish health and quality of life aspects in case of chronic disease as PD or in case of female infertility.

Dr. Viktória Prémusz
Dr. Pongrác Ács
Prof. Dr. József Betlehem
Guest Editors

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Keywords

physical activity
exercise
sport
health
mental health
health literacy
physical literacy

Published Papers (10 papers)

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16 pages, 449 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Sports in the Subjective Psychological Well-Being of Hungarian Adult Population in Three Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010660 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1233

Abstract

(1) Background: In this study, sport and subjective psychological well-being is investigated in three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: We have conducted three different representative sample surveys (n = 3600 altogether) on the Hungarian adult population and investigated the sample’s subjective psychological well-being with the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, as well as changes in their subjective well-being through the different waves of the pandemic. Sporting habits and socio-economic variables were also surveyed, and OLS regression models were created focused on the WHO-5 measures. (3) Results: The subjective psychological well-being of the Hungarian adult population decreased significantly, but in the second and third wave of pandemic restrictions, an increase in subjective psychological well-being has been measured. The relationships between the time spent on doing sports and subjective psychological well-being were significant in each pandemic waves. The highest subjective psychological well-being and its highest increase were reported by those who could increase their time spent on doing sports as well. (4) Conclusions: The relationships between the sports activities, physical health, size of settlement, changes in income and subjective psychological well-being of the Hungarian adult population were significant in all three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Health and Physical Activity across the Lifespan)

11 pages, 820 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Metabolic Characteristics of Physically Active Individuals with Different Training Habits during Incremental Treadmill Test

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Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010070 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1233

Abstract

The number of people engaging in self-conducted regular physical activity is increasing, but the effects of home fitness and individually planned workouts on health and metabolism are unknown. We aimed to examine the effects of regular training conducted without the supervision of professionals on exercise metabolism in our cross-sectional observational study. Forty-five physically active volunteers, classified into three groups, based on the type and frequency of their training (group 1 frequent long-term endurance, group 2 three times per week aerobic training, and group 3 two times per week short aerobic and resistance training), fulfilled a vita maxima incremental treadmill test. Aerobic capacity (VO2max), MET (metabolic equivalent of task), and metabolic responses were examined. The results were evaluated by ANOVA and Bonferroni and Scheffe multiple comparison analysis using Microsoft Excel and SPSS 23 programs. (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found between group 1 and 3 in VO2max (p = 0.46) and MET (p = 0.46) between group 1 and 2, in FatmaxHR (heart rate on maximum fat oxidation) (p= 0.04). We concluded self-conducted regular physical activity has positive effects on metabolism and health. Aerobic training performed four times per week showed the most beneficial effects on metabolism and health maintenance. In addition, based on our findings, strength training performed two times per week is recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Health and Physical Activity across the Lifespan)

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21 pages, 5745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Inequalities in Household Sports Consumption Expenditures and Income Level

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Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15608; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315608 - 24 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1088

Abstract

Inequalities in income, wealth, quality of life, health and education are an intensively researched field of economics. In this study, we examine the inequality in sports expenditures of Hungarian households. We hypothesize that the development of income inequalities will also correlate significantly to inequalities in sports consumption, and this trend has been intensifying over the past two decades. The research is based on the Household Budget Survey database of Hungarian households for the period 2005–2017. The net income conditions of the population and the sports expenditure items recorded on the basis of the COICOP nomenclature are examined by income decile. Data is analysed using descriptive statistics, inequality indicators and correlation calculations. Aggregate household expenditures on passive sports consumption show a stagnant trend, while aggregate expenditures on active sports consumption follow a slightly upward trend among the Hungarian population. Inequality indicators show growing inequalities in terms of income and sports expenditure over the reviewed period. Income inequality and sports spending inequality move together. The Hungarian population is becoming polarised in terms of both income and level of sports expenditure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Health and Physical Activity across the Lifespan)

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11 pages, 360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of the Hungarian Version of the COVID Stress Scale (CSS-H)

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Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12602; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912602 - 02 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 862

Abstract

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and has affected every social class. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe stress and anxiety levels in the general population was reported to be 25%. This study aimed to describe the validation of the Hungarian version of the COVID Stress Scale. (2) Methods: The research study was a cross-section validation study with a representative sample (N = 1200) and a non-representative student sample (N = 350). The translation procedure was a four-step procedure. The interviewers conducted the data collection. (3) Results: The reliability of the Hungarian CSS was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Convergent validity was evaluated by correlating the CSS with the PSS and WHO-WBI5. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the CSS-H factors was between 0.844 and 0.907 (representative sample) and between 0.878 and 0.936 (student sample), which qualified as very good. The reliability of the internal consistency was good for all six factors in both samples. The CSS-H total and all-domain scores significantly and positively correlated with the PSS total score and negatively correlated with well-being. (4) Conclusions: The Hungarian COVID Stress Scale is a valid, reliable instrument to measure COVID-19-related distress in the Hungarian population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Health and Physical Activity across the Lifespan)

9 pages, 635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disease-Specific Knowledge, Physical Activity, and Physical Functioning Examination among Patients with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

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Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12024; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912024 - 23 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1568

Abstract

Physical activity, physical functioning, and pain are some of the most critical factors of low back pain (LBP) treatment and prevention, but it was unknown that the back school program (BSP) influences the physical activity level of the patients with LBP. Data from 306 healthy patients and patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (cnsLBP) were used. We used the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), the Low Back Pain Knowledge Questionnaire (LKQ), the visual analog scale, and the Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). The significance level was set at p < 0.05. The amount of sedentary time in cnsLBP patients enrolled in the BSP was significantly lower compared to the other two groups (p < 0.001). Significantly higher moderate-intensity activities, leisure time activities, and active transportation were observed in the cnsLBP patients enrolled in the BSP than in the other two groups (p < 0.001). RMDQ scores and the pain intensity of the cnsLBP patients enrolled in the BSP were significantly lower than in patients with LBP receiving only exercise therapy (p < 0.001). The physical activity level and low-back-pain-specific knowledge was significantly higher, while back-related disability and pain intensity were significantly lower among patients with low back pain syndrome who participated in a back school program. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Health and Physical Activity across the Lifespan)

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13 pages, 362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Health Literacy among University Health Science Students of Different Nationalities

Henrietta Bánfai-Csonka

Bálint Bánfai

Sára Jeges

and

József Betlehem

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11758; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811758 - 17 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1820

Abstract

An adequate level of health literacy is essential for clear communication between patients and health care workers. The internationalization of universities is increasing in the field of health care. The aims of our research were to measure (1) the level of health literacy and its correlation among university students and (2) the relationship between the different instruments measuring health literacy. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the 2020/2021 academic year. The questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic status, study data, health status, and health literacy level. According to the HLS-EU-Q16 health literacy questionnaire, more than half of the students had a limited HL level in disease prevention (52.4%) and health promotion (58.4%) subindexes. Nationality was found to be an influencing factor (p < 0.001). According to the NVS, 80.1% of the students had an adequate HL level. A significant correlation was found between the results and nationality (p = 0.005). None of the Chew questions demonstrated a correlation with nationality (q1 p = 0.269, q2 p = 0.368, q3 p = 0.528). Nationality is a key factor in the level of subjective and functional health literacy. We need to measure both types of levels to see the real results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Health and Physical Activity across the Lifespan)

13 pages, 1257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Freedive Training Gives Additional Physiological Effect Compared to Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD

Zoltán Csizmadia

Pongrác Ács

Gergő József Szőllősi

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Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11549; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811549 - 14 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1374

Abstract

Introduction: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is beneficial for lung mechanics, chest kinematics, metabolism, and inspiratory and peripheral muscle function. Freediving training (FD) can be effective in sportsmen and can improve breath-holding time. Aims: We sought to determine the effectiveness of freediving training in the pulmonary rehabilitation of COPD patients. Patients and methods: Twenty-three COPD patients (15 men and 8 women; median age 63 years; FEV1: 41% pred; BMI: 28 kg/m²) participated in the FD + PR group (3 weeks PR and 3 weeks FD + PR) and 46 patients with COPD (25 men and 21 women; median age 66 years; FEV1: 43% pred; BMI: 27 kg/m²) participated in an inpatient PR program (6 weeks). Patients performed comfort zone breath holding for 30 min/day. Patients increased their breath-holding time within their comfort zone for 30 min. We detected lung function, chest expansion (CWE), inspiratory muscle pressure (MIP), peripheral muscle function (GS), and exercise capacity (6MWD), and we included breath-holding time (BHT), quality of life score (COPD Assessment Test (CAT)), modified Medical Research Dyspnea Scale (mMRC) score, and the severity of the disease assessed by the BODE index (FEV1, BMI, 6MWD, and mMRC) and an alternative scale (FEV1, BMI, 6MWD, and CAT). Result: There were significant differences in the characteristics of the two groups. Significant improvement was detected in all functional and quality of life parameters except lung function in both groups. Significantly higher improvement was detected in CWE, GS, 6MWD, BHT, CAT, mMRC, alternative scale, and MIP. The improvement in forced vital capacity (FVC) was not significant. There were no side effects of FD training. Conclusion: The FD method can potentiate the effect of PR, improving not only BHT but also other parameters. Trial registration: ISRCTN ISRCTN13019180. Registered 19 December 2017. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Health and Physical Activity across the Lifespan)

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17 pages, 589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychological Responses of Hungarian Students during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11344; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811344 - 09 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1111

Abstract

(1) Background: Changes in daily life and academic training has led to uncertainty in the higher education student population during COVID-19. The goal of the study was to examine the impacts of the pandemic on Hungarian students. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by using self-report questionnaires collected in Google Forms. Eight-hundred-and-twenty-seven students (25.29 ± 8.09) took part anonymously. The respondents rate their overall physical and mental health on a 5-point Likert scale and validated scales were used: Well Being Index (WHO-5); Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS); and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14). Statistical analyses were performed with IBM SPSS 24.0, results were considered at a significance level p ≤ 0.05. (3) Results: Positive correlation was found between MAAS and WHO-5 (r = 0.363, p < 0.001) negative correlation between MAAS and PSS-14 (r = −0.448, p < 0.001), and negative correlation between WHO-5 and PSS-14 (r = −0.671, p < 0.001). Females had higher PSS-14 mean score (32.51 ± 10.16) than males (27.71 ± 10.19; p < 0.001; Z = −5703), males (60.92 ± 12.10) had higher MAAS level than females (57.31 ± 12.51; p < 0.001; Z = −3589). No difference was found in gender regarding WHO-5 mean scores. Athletes (7.03 ± 3.27) differ significantly from non-athletes (6.00 ± 3.04) in WHO-5 (p < 0.001; Z = −4.349) and MAAS level (p = 0.012; Z = −2.498), but showed no difference in PSS-14 (p = 0.101; Z = −1.641). Students rated mental (3.01 ± 0.99) worse than physical health (3.49 ± 0.98; p < 0.001, r = 0.426) and the narrowing of social relationships worse (3.83 ± 1.26) than physical (p < 0.001, r = −0.212) and mental health (p < 0.001, r = −0.408). Females had worse mental health (2.96 ± 9.94) than males (3.20 ± 0.99; p = 0.003; Z = −2.924) and rated the narrowing of social relationships worse (3.90 ± 1.23) than males (3.59 ± 1.35; p = 0.006; Z = −2.730). (4) Conclusions: The pandemic has negatively impacted students, and it may have long-term consequences on their mental and physical health and education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Health and Physical Activity across the Lifespan)

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16 pages, 434 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Introducing the Hungarian Version of the SCREENIVF Tool into the Clinical Routine Screening of Emotional Maladjustment

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Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10147; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610147 - 16 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1117

Abstract

Examining possible psychosocial maladjustments should be an integral part of fertility care. For the early detection of vulnerability, the present study aimed to adapt and test the reliability and validity of the Hungarian version of SCREENIVF against the Fertility Quality of Life Questionnaire (FertiQoL) in a cross-sectional on subfertile women (n = 60, age 34.6 ± 5.2 years, BMI 24.2 ± 4.9 kg/m²) at a university linked fertility clinic in South-Hungary. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to investigate the construct validity. For the reliability testing, Cronbach alpha values were calculated. Spearman’s rank correlation tested the criterion validity. Discriminant validity was applied using Mann–Whitney U-test and Kruskal–Wallis test. The Edinburgh Framework and COSMIN checklist were applicable for the analysis using SPSS 27.0; significance was set at p < 0.05. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit; all dimensions were reliable (α ≥ 0.70). Cronbach’s alpha was excellent (0.825–0.904). Strong correlations were found between the total scale (FertiQoL) and anxiety (R = −0.507, p < 0.001), depression (R = 0.554, p < 0.001), and helplessness cognitions (R = −0.747, p < 0.001) and moderate or no correlation with acceptance cognitions (R = 0.317, p = 0.015) and social support (R = 0.230, p = 0.082). The Hungarian version of SCREENIVF proved a valid and reliable tool to measure psychological maladjustment before ART. A longitudinal, randomized, controlled trial involving the partners could further strengthen the results, which is among our long-term plans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Health and Physical Activity across the Lifespan)

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10 pages, 701 KiB

Open AccessProtocol

“Conscious Nine Months”: Exploring Regular Physical Activity amongst Pregnant Women—A Qualitative Study Protocol

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Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11605; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811605 - 15 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1553

Abstract

Despite a clear and convincing evidence base and strong recommendations for pregnant women to maintain regular moderate physical activity throughout pregnancy, many of them reduce or discontinue exercise altogether. This is due to pregnancy-related difficulties and barriers. The aim of this protocol is to describe a qualitative research methodology for a study exploring the experiences of women who managed to achieve the recommended levels of physical activity throughout their pregnancy by regularly participating in a specially designed “Conscious nine months” exercise programme. A qualitative descriptive design will be used, including semi-structured in-depth literature-based interviews, together with thematic analysis. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines will be used. In-depth individual interviews (60–90 min) with exercise programme participants, used together with a thematic analysis process, will allow for a better understanding and exploration of what enabled the participants to achieve such high adherence to the overall exercise programme. The chosen methodology offers a structured way for researchers to explore the experiences and factors that influence the ability of pregnant women to be physically active, enabling research into how pregnant women can be supported to remain active during this special, often challenging time in life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Health and Physical Activity across the Lifespan)

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