Lorian M. Taylor

Suitability and readability assessment of educational print resources related to physical activity: Implications and recommendations for practice

OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to assess the suitability and readability level of publicly available educational print resources related to physical activity (PA). METHODS Educational print resources related to PA (n=66) were requested from organizations (e.g., professional, commercial, government, and educational). The suitability assessment of materials (SAM) and the simple measure of gobbledygook (SMOG) readability measure were used to evaluate the suitability and readability of the PA resources. RESULTS Of the 66 PA resources, suitability scores were superior in only 10 resources (15%), adequate in 36 resources (55%), and inadequate/not suitable in 20 resources (30%). The average reading grade level for the PA resources was a 10th grade level (S.D.=1.82; Rg=5th grade to 15th grade). Only 56.5% (n=35) of PA resources depicted a primary PA recommendation that was consistent with the public health recommendation for PA. CONCLUSION Results indicate that the majority of educational print resources related to PA have poor readability indices and inadequate to adequate suitability. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Health educators developing educational print resources related to PA must ensure these resources conform to the highest suitability standards. This includes developing resources that a) contain information consistent with current public health recommendations, and b) can be utilized by all individuals regardless of health literacy status.

Development and Evaluation of a Theory-Based Physical Activity Guidebook for Breast Cancer Survivors

This studys objective was to develop and evaluate the suitability and appropriateness of a theory-based physical activity (PA) guidebook for breast cancer survivors. Guidebook content was constructed based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) using salient exercise beliefs identified by breast cancer survivors in previous research. Expert judges completed the Maine Area Health Education Centers 18-item attribute checklist for evaluating written health information. Judges indicated that the PA guidebook achieved desirable attributes for the suitability and appropriateness of the guidebook. A subset of TPB expert judges completed items designed to determine the degree of match between the guidebook content and the respective TPB components. Mean item-content relevance ratings indicated at least a “very good match” between the PA guidebook content and the keyed TPB domains. Theoretically based PA information may be an effective strategy for increasing PA in breast cancer survivors at the population level.

Associations of Perceived Community Environmental Attributes with Walking in a Population-Based Sample of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

BackgroundNo studies have yet examined the associations of physical environmental attributes specifically with walking in adults with type 2 diabetes.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine associations of perceived community physical environmental attributes with walking for transport and for recreation among adults living with type 2 diabetes.MethodsParticipants were 771 adults with type 2 diabetes who completed a self-administered survey on perceived community physical environmental attributes and walking behaviors.ResultsBased on a criterion of a minimum of 120-min/week, some 29% were sufficiently active through walking for transport and 33% through walking for recreation. Significantly higher proportions of those actively walking for transport and for recreation had shops or places to buy things close by (67.8% and 60.9%); lived within a 15-min walk to a transit stop (70.6% and 71.0%); did not have dead-end streets close by (77.7% and 79.8%); reported interesting things to look at (84.8% and 84.4%); and lived close to low-cost recreation facilities (81.3% and 78.8%). In addition, those actively walking for transport reported living in a community with intersections close to each other (75.6%) and with sidewalks on their streets (88.1%). When these variables were entered simultaneously into logistic regression models, living close by to shops was positively related to walking for transport (OR = 1.92, 99% CI = 1.11–3.32).ConclusionsConsistent with findings from studies of healthy adult populations, positive perceptions of community environmental attributes are associated with walking for transport among adults with type 2 diabetes. The now-strong public health case for environmental innovations to promote more walking for transport is further reinforced by the potential to benefit those living with diabetes.

Utility of telephone survey methods in population-based health studies of older adults: an example from the Alberta Older Adult Health Behavior (ALERT) study

BackgroundRandom digit dialing is often used in public health research initiatives to accrue and establish a study sample; however few studies have fully described the utility of this approach. The primary objective of this paper was to describe the implementation and utility of using random digit dialing and Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) for sampling, recruitment and data collection in a large population-based study of older adults [Alberta Older Adult Health Behavior (ALERT) study].MethodsUsing random digit dialing, older adults (> = 55 years) completed health behavior and outcome and demographic measures via CATI. After completing the CATI, participants were invited to receive a step pedometer and waist circumference tape measure via mail to gather objectively derived ambulatory activity and waist circumference assessments.ResultsOverall, 36,000 telephone numbers were called of which 7,013 were deemed eligible for the study. Of those, 4,913 (70.1%) refused to participate in the study and 804 (11.4%) participants were not included due to a variety of call dispositions (e.g., difficult to reach, full quota for region). A total of 1,296 participants completed telephone interviews (18.5% of those eligible and 3.6% of all individuals approached). Overall, 22.8% of households did not have an age 55+ resident and 13.6% of individuals refused to participate, Average age was 66.5 years, and 43% were male. A total of 1,081 participants (83.4%) also submitted self-measured ambulatory activity (i.e., via step pedometer) and anthropometric data (i.e., waist circumference). With the exception of income (18.7%), the rate of missing data for demographics, health behaviors, and health measures was minimal (<1%).ConclusionsOlder adults are willing to participate in telephone-based health surveys when randomly contacted. Researchers can use this information to evaluate the feasibility and the logistics of planned studies using a similar population and study design.

Associations of Daily Pedometer Steps and Self-Reported Physical Activity With Health-Related Quality of Life Results From the Alberta Older Adult Health Survey

Objective: The aim of this article is to examine associations of self-reported physical activity (PA) and pedometer steps with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among a population-based sample of older adults. Method: Adults ≥55 years (N = 1,296) were recruited through random-digit dialing and responded to a questionnaire via computer-assisted telephone interviewing methods. Questionnaires assessed demographic variables and validated measures of PA and HRQoL. Participants received a step pedometer and waist circumference tape measure via post. Results: Compared with participants in the low-step group (0-6,999 steps/day), participants in the high-step group (>10,000 steps/day) had significantly higher scores on mental health (Mdiff = 3.1, p < .001, confidence intervals [CI] = [1.8, 4.3]), physical health (Mdiff = 3.5, p < .001, CI = [2.2, 4.7]), and global health (Mdiff = 3.5, p < .001, CI = [2.3, 4.7]). Waist circumference and body mass index did not moderate any associations of pedometer steps and PA with HRQoL. Conclusion: Older adults exceeding established step thresholds reported significantly higher HRQoL indices compared with those achieving lower thresholds.

Understanding physical activity in individuals with prediabetes: an application of social cognitive theory

Despite well-documented evidence implicating physical activity (PA) in the prevention of type 2 diabetes, the overwhelming majority of individuals with prediabetes are not physically active enough. The purpose of this study was to investigate the applicability of the social cognitive theory (SCT) in understanding PA behaviour in individuals with prediabetes. Individuals with prediabetes (N = 232) completed a mailed questionnaire assessing demographics, self-reported PA (MET.min/wk) and SCT constructs for PA MET.min/wk. For PA MET.min/wk, scheduling and task efficacy both had significant effects on PA (β = .30 and .22, respectively). Goal formation also had a direct effect on PA for scheduling, coping and task efficacy (β = .20, .34 and .30, respectively). Task, coping and scheduling efficacy explained a significant portion of the variance in PA behaviour. Overall, SCT appears to have merit as a model for understanding PA in individuals with prediabetes. Further evaluative inquiry is needed to establish support for the use of the SCT as a framework for developing, implementing and evaluating PA behaviour change interventions in this population.

Correlates of general and domain-specific sitting time among older adults

OBJECTIVE We examined the correlates of sitting time in a population-based sample of older adults. METHODS Adults >55 years of age (N = 1296; N = 515 employed; N = 781 unemployed) self-reported measures of demographic and health-related variables, and a measure of sitting time (ie, SIT-Q). RESULTS Employed total sitting time (min/day) was positively associated with home Internet access (B = 71.2, 95% CI, 8.9 to 133.4, p = .025), body mass index (BMI) (kg/m(2); B = 7.0, 95% CI, 2.1 - 11.9, p = .005), and negatively associated with physical health (B = -2.3; 95% CI, -4.9 to 0.3, p = .013). Unemployed total sitting time was negatively associated with age (B per year = -3.0, 95% CI, -4.9 to -1.1, p = .002), and being male (B = -54.0, 95% CI, -86 .7 to -21.3, p = .001). Unemployed total sitting time was positively associated with Internet access (B = 54.1, 95% CI, 17.7 to 90.4, p = .004) and BMI (B = 4.1, 95% CI, .94 to 7.3, p = .011). CONCLUSIONS Older adults reported low levels of sitting time. Different correlates emerged for the employed and unemployed samples across sitting domains.

Examining the Promotion of Healthy Eating among Exercise Specialists: A Cross-sectional Study

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to survey exercise specialists about nutrition counselling practices, their own dietary practices, and to identify potential relationships. An electronic survey was used to examine characteristics and strategies used for assessing and promoting healthy eating to clients. Exercise specialists (n = 94) were recruited through a public registry and through targeted advertising on 2 professional websites in Alberta, Canada. Eighty-five percent of respondents promoted healthy eating to clients. Confidence in assessing and promoting healthy eating was moderate to low. Those with more than 6 years of professional experience reported higher confidence compared with those with less than 1 year of experience in assessing healthy eating (P < 0.05) and promoting healthy eating (P < 0.01). Confidence was higher among those with more professional experience but who did not meet Canadas Food Guide recommendations (P < 0.05). Professional experience, personal dietary practices, and confidence are important characteristics when considering the assessment and promotion of healthy eating by exercise specialists. Promoting collaborative relationships between registered dietitians and exercise specialists would likely benefit exercise specialists when they are assessing and promoting healthy eating among their clients.

Self-reported physical activity preferences in individuals with prediabetes

Abstract Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to determine the physical activity (PA) preferences in a sample of individuals with prediabetes. Methods: Individuals with prediabetes (N = 232) residing in Northern Alberta, Canada completed a mailed questionnaire that assessed demographic and health variables, self-reported PA (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire), and PA preferences. Results: Respondents indicated they would like to be counseled about PA (75%), were physically able to participate (96%), were interested in a PA program for individuals with prediabetes (86%), and were most interested in walking (71%). Activity status, number of comorbidities, level of employment, marital status, body mass index, and time since diagnosis with prediabetes all demonstrated significant influence on different PA preference variables. Conclusions: There is a demand for PA-related programs for individuals with prediabetes. Incorporating identified PA preferences of those with prediabetes might aid in the development of relevant intervention tools, programs, and strategies to support PA.

An Examination of the Relationship Between Dietary Behaviours and Physical Activity and Obesity in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the current study was to explore the relationship between 2 dietary behaviours — (i) fruit and vegetable intake and (ii) dietary fat intake — with body mass index (BMI) and physical activity. A secondary objective was to examine the reliability of these relationships at 6 and 18 months. METHODS: Demographic factors, including height and weight to calculate BMI, were self-reported by a sample of adults with type 2 diabetes (n=1614) recruited through the Canadian Diabetes Association registry and through random-digit dialling. Physical activity levels were assessed using the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire, while fruit, vegetable and dietary fat intake were measured using the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Measure. These variables were assessed at 3 time points: baseline, 6 months and 18 months. Two-way between-group analysis of variance was conducted separately for fruit and vegetable consumption and fat intake in order to examine the association of BMI categories and activity level and their interactions with these dietary behaviours. RESULTS: At baseline, participants reported consuming 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables 5.2 days per week and high-fat foods 1.6 days per week. The mean BMI was 29.3kg/m 2 , and 65% of participants were inactive (i.e. not meeting physical activity guidelines). There was a statistically significant main effect for both BMI (F=11.58, p CONCLUSION: Obese individuals reported significantly lower fruit consumption and higher fat consumption compared to their overweight and healthy-weight counterparts. Active individuals had a higher fruit and vegetable intake. These results will help guide the development of diabetes education programs that are tailored to better meet the needs of people with type 2 diabetes.