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Background: Despite the known benefits of physical fitness in adolescence, the growing and at-risk homeschool adolescent population has been largely overlooked in current research. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare health-related fitness including body mass index (BMI), cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular fitness between homeschool and public school adolescents. Methods: Homeschool adolescents ages 12-17 years (n = 66) completed the Progressive Aerobic Capacity Endurance Run (PACER), curl-up, and 90° push-up portions of the FitnessGram® to assess cardiorespiratory fitness as well as abdominal and upper body strength and endurance. T-tests and chi-square tests were used to compare results to public school children (n = 66). Results: There was no significant difference in BMI between groups. Homeschool adolescents had significantly lower cardiorespiratory fitness and abdominal, but not upper body, strength and endurance. They also showed significantly lower health classification rankings in cardiorespiratory fitness and upper body, but not abdominal, strength and endurance. Discussion: Homeschool adolescents showed significant deficits in health-related fitness that could negatively impact both current and future health. Translation to Health Education Practice: The homeschool community has a need for health education to address deficits in health-related fitness. This study can aid health educators in planning and implementing targeted, effective interventions in the future.

Objective: This study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on college students' nutrition, including dietary behaviors and food security status. Participants: Participants included 140 students between 18 and 25 years of age, who were enrolled in a college or university in the greater Houston area. Methods: Analyses included descriptive statistics, t tests, and ANOVAs to analyze differences in dietary behaviors by demographic variables, and chi-square tests to assess characteristics associated with food security status. Results: The majority of participants reported changing their diets due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There were no significant differences by demographics. However, there were significant differences in food security status by race/ethnicity and social class. Conclusion: This study identified changes and disparities in college students' dietary behaviors and food security status during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings help inform future policy, programs, and research to address college students' nutrition during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elite private universities have high stress levels, particularly for underrepresented populations. While physical activity and gratitude can both reduce stress, independent effects from gratitude and interaction effects between physical activity and gratitude on stress are insufficiently explored. Our study investigated these effects among undergraduates at elite private universities. Undergraduates (n = 145) completed an online survey in Fall 2022. Moderate-high physical activity levels were reported by 96.19% of the sample. No significant interaction effect between physical activity and gratitude was seen nor a significant main effect of physical activity on perceived stress. A significant main effect of gratitude on perceived stress [F (2, 99) = 16.732, p < .001, ω2 = .253] was found with higher perceived stress among participants with low compared to moderate (p = .001) or high gratitude (p < .001). Gratitude exerted an independent, significant effect on perceived stress among elite university undergraduates and could be used as an additional healthy coping mechanism along with physical activity to combat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Vietnamese American (VA) population is projected to grow to 3.9 million by 2030. This demographic shift could affect health care cost as VAs have greater susceptibility for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Few studies have explored diabetes self-management (DSM) among VAs. The aim of this study was to explore and describe how VAs with T2DM perceive diabetes and DSM practices. Method: A focused ethnographic design, using semi-structured interviews and participant observation, was used to understand DSM among VAs. Results: The following four themes emerged: (a) defining diabetes and its etiology, (b) body awareness as a way of managing diabetes, (c) maintaining strength after being diagnosed with diabetes, and (d) navigating sources of information regarding diabetes. Discussion: The study findings suggest that DSM is a complex and recursive process, with integrations of cultural practices and influences from the environment. These findings can help the development of culturally tailored interventions to assist with DSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundVegetable consumption protects against chronic diseases, but many young children do not eat vegetables. One quest within the mobile application Mommio was developed to train mothers of preschoolers in effective vegetable parenting practices, or ways to approach getting their child to eat and enjoy vegetables. A much earlier version of the game, then called Kiddio, was alpha tested previously, but the game has since evolved in key ways. ObjectiveThe purpose of this research was to alpha test the first quest, substantiate earlier findings and obtain feedback on new game features to develop an effective, compelling parenting game. MethodsMothers of preschool children (n=20) played a single quest of Mommio 2 to 4 times, immediately after which a semi-structured interview about their experience was completed. Interviews were transcribed and double coded using thematic analysis methods. ResultsMothers generally liked the game, finding it realistic and engaging. Some participants had difficulties with mechanics for moving around the 3-D environment. Tips and hints were well received, and further expansion and customization were desired. ConclusionsEarlier findings were supported, though Mommio players reported more enjoyment than Kiddio players. Continued development will include more user-friendly mechanics, customization, opportunities for environment interaction, and food parenting scenarios.

Physical activity has significantly declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Declines in physical activity have correlated with increased levels of perceived stress, though studies examining physical activity and stress have failed to account for critical confounds. The present study aims to determine whether physical activity independently predicts perceived stress in students attending private four-year universities. Physical activity, socioeconomic status, resilience, gender, and perceived stress data were collected from 85 students and used in a multiple linear regression analysis. The regression model accounted for 43.5% of the variance in perceived stress (R2 = .462, p < .001). Total physical activity significantly and inversely predicted perceived stress (β = –.229, p = .007) in students irrespective of other covariates. Socioeconomic status, resilience, and gender also independently and significantly predicted perceived stress. Findings should be leveraged by university staff to promote psychological well-being and wholistic health initiatives incorporating physical activity as a primary and modifiable component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many university students experienced changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, including potential changes in physical activity (PA) levels and living situation. As PA behaviors in young adulthood help establish life-long habits and future health outcomes, the purpose of this study was to investigate overall change in PA, as well as change in PA due to living situation, among private university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Private university students (n = 109) between 18 and 25 years of age completed an online survey that included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form. T-tests examined changes in overall time spent in PA from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the differences in MET-minute distributions between groups. Students performed significantly less activity during the COVID-19 pandemic than before (t(108) = 3.51, p = .001, d = 0.493), with 70.6% of all students meeting exercise recommendations before the pandemic and 51.4% after. Students living with vs. without a parent/guardian attained similar PA levels (t(107) = -.114, p = .910) before the pandemic (73.1% vs. 69.9%, respectively), but students living with a parent/guardian engaged in significantly less PA (t(107) = 2.04, p = .044, d = 0.475) than those living without a parent/guardian during the pandemic (37.5% vs. 57.1%, respectively). The declines in PA suggest the need for targeted interventions and education among private university students. In order to maximize the health benefits of PA, it is crucial that activity engagement return to at least pre-COVID-19 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Habit has been defined as the automatic performance of a usual behaviour. The present paper reports the relationships of variables from a Model of Goal Directed Behavior to four scales in regard to parents' habits when feeding their children: habit of (i) actively involving child in selection of vegetables; (ii) maintaining a positive vegetable environment; (iii) positive communications about vegetables; and (iv) controlling vegetable practices. We tested the hypothesis that the primary predictor of each habit variable would be the measure of the corresponding parenting practice.Design: Internet survey data from a mostly female sample. Primary analyses employed regression modelling with backward deletion, controlling for demographics and parenting practices behaviour.Setting: Houston, Texas, USA.Subjects: Parents of 307 pre-school (3-5-year-old) children.Results: Three of the four models accounted for about 50 % of the variance in the parenting practices habit scales. Each habit scale was primarily predicted by the corresponding parenting practices scale (suggesting validity). The habit of active child involvement in vegetable selection was also most strongly predicted by two barriers and rudimentary self-efficacy; the habit of maintaining a positive vegetable environment by one barrier; the habit of maintaining positive communications about vegetables by an emotional scale; and the habit of controlling vegetable practices by a perceived behavioural control scale.Conclusions: The predictiveness of the psychosocial variables beyond parenting practices behaviour was modest. Discontinuing the habit of ineffective controlling parenting practices may require increasing the parent's perceived control of parenting practices, perhaps through simulated parent-child interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo model effective vegetable parenting practices using the Model of Goal Directed Vegetable Parenting Practices construct scales.DesignAn Internet survey was conducted with parents of pre-school children to assess their agreement with effective vegetable parenting practices and Model of Goal Directed Vegetable Parenting Practices items. Block regression modelling was conducted using the composite score of effective vegetable parenting practices scales as the outcome variable and the Model of Goal Directed Vegetable Parenting Practices constructs as predictors in separate and sequential blocks: demographics, intention, desire (intrinsic motivation), perceived barriers, autonomy, relatedness, self-efficacy, habit, anticipated emotions, perceived behavioural control, attitudes and lastly norms. Backward deletion was employed at the end for any variable not significant at P<0·05.SettingHouston, TX, USA.SubjectsThree hundred and seven parents (mostly mothers) of pre-school children.ResultsSignificant predictors in the final model in order of relationship strength included habit of active child involvement in vegetable selection, habit of positive vegetable communications, respondent not liking vegetables, habit of keeping a positive vegetable environment and perceived behavioural control of having a positive influence on child’s vegetable consumption. The final model’s adjusted R2 was 0·486.ConclusionsThis was the first study to test scales from a behavioural model to predict effective vegetable parenting practices. Further research needs to assess these Model of Goal Directed Vegetable Parenting Practices scales for their (i) predictiveness of child consumption of vegetables in longitudinal samples and (ii) utility in guiding design of vegetable parenting practices interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood obesity has become an epidemic across all racial/ethnic groups in the U.S., including Asian Americans. With different cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles, Asian Americans may face unique sets of risk factors for childhood obesity. This review critically assesses and summarizes the literature on risk factors for childhood obesity among Asian Americans. Among the 14 studies identified, five (35.7%) used national or state-level data, seven (50%) targeted Chinese Americans, and two (14.3%) focused on Hmong Americans. Multiple risk factors for childhood obesity among Asian Americans were reported, including acculturation, generational status, and family functioning. Limitations of the literature included use of small samples, scarcity of ethnically specific data for Asian American subgroups, shortage of qualitative studies, and lack of theoretical foundation. More disaggregated studies are needed to examine the important variability that may exist in risk factors for childhood obesity among Asian American subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are several populations considered to be undersevered in the United States, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas, where health services and resources are limited and geographically dispersed. To combat these issues, federal and state governments have developed 2-1-1 Texas, a toll-free public resource for information retrieval and referral to health services (e.g., food, housing, employment, healthcare, counseling). Objective: To assess awareness and utilization of the 2-1-1 Texas service on a large university campus in Texas. Methods: Members of a university-sanctioned student organization distributed promotional items to tailgating fans before a college football game between two Texas teams. Members approached fans to inquire if they had ever heard of or used 2-1-1 Texas, recorded individuals' answers, and asked pre-determined follow-up questions based on a decision tree. Members also educated fans about 2-1-1 Texas and its associated benefi ts. Results: A total of 890 fans provided responses. Eighty-eight percent (n=783) of respondents reported they had never heard of 2-1-1 Texas. Of those who were aware of 2-1-1 Texas (12.0%, n=107), 15.9% (n=17) reported having called in the past. Some of the reported reasons for calling 2-1-1 Texas included seeking information about childcare services, recycling locations, drug education, hurricane relief, and free dental and healthcare clinics. Conclusions: Findings indicate those needing health-related assistance may be unaware of the existence of free or inexpensive services. Despite the widespread availability of 2-1-1 Texas, additional marketing, awareness-raising, and educational events are needed to inform Texas residents about this and other related services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an investigative study on the effectiveness of consuming fruits and vegetables (F&V) among Hispanics in Texas. The study makes use of the Texas Food and Nutrition (TEXFAN) in analyzing the intake of F&V among adult and young Hispanics. The results of the study can be used to tailor future nutrition education.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased stress among college students. Many studies on pandemic stress among college students were conducted at the onset of the pandemic in the spring of 2020. This study explored stress and resilience in college students in the fall of 2020, when universities were balancing the pandemic and normality, including differences by demographics and the impact on weight and dietary changes. Methods: The study participants comprised 140 Houston-area college students between the ages of 18 and 25 years who completed the COVID-19 Stress, Physical Activity, and Nutrition Effects on Students (C-SPANES) survey. Data analyses conducted include descriptive statistics, correlations, t-tests, and ANOVAs to assess differences in stress and resilience by demographics. Binary logistic regression and multiple block regression were used to predict the impact of stress and resilience on weight and dietary changes, respectively. Results: Overall, participants reported moderate stress and low resilience. Stress was highest among female participants, those who were overweight/obese, those with low/very low food security status, the poor/working class, and older participants (all Bonferroni-corrected p<0.03). Resilience was also high among female participants (Bonferroni-corrected p<0.03). While controlling for demographics, stress predicted weight change (B=0.112, p<0.05), but neither stress nor resilience predicted dietary change. Conclusion: It is important to address high stress in college students, especially those who are female, overweight/obese, food insecure, low socioeconomic status, and older. Future research and public health programs are needed to address college students' stress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many university students experienced changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, including potential changes in physical activity (PA) levels and living situation. As PA behaviors in young adulthood help establish life-long habits and future health outcomes, the purpose of this study was to investigate overall change in PA, as well as change in PA due to living situation, among private university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Private university students (n = 109) between 18 and 25 years of age completed an online survey that included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form. T-tests examined changes in overall time spent in PA from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the differences in MET-minute distributions between groups. Students performed significantly less activity during the COVID-19 pandemic than before ( t (108) = 3.51, p = .001, d = 0.493), with 70.6% of all students meeting exercise recommendations before the pandemic and 51.4% after. Students living with vs. without a parent/guardian attained similar PA levels ( t (107) = -.114, p = .910) before the pandemic (73.1% vs. 69.9%, respectively), but students living with a parent/guardian engaged in significantly less PA ( t (107) = 2.04, p = .044, d = 0.475) than those living without a parent/guardian during the pandemic (37.5% vs. 57.1%, respectively). The declines in PA suggest the need for targeted interventions and education among private university students. In order to maximize the health benefits of PA, it is crucial that activity engagement return to at least pre-COVID-19 levels.

Homeschool children may rely solely on organized sports and physical activities to achieve recommended levels of physical activity and fitness. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in fitness levels between homeschool children who did, and did not, participate in organized sports or physical activities, and then examine relationships between hours per week in sports or physical activities and cardiorespiratory fitness as measured by portions of the FitnessGram ® test battery. Organized sports/physical activity participation information was gathered on 100 children ages 10-17 years who completed tests of upper, abdominal, and cardiorespiratory fitness. The current investigation revealed that participation alone was not associated with higher levels of physical fitness as assessed by the 90° push-up test or curl-up test nor was time in participation related to cardiorespiratory fitness as assessed by the Progressive Aerobic Capacity Endurance Run (PACER). These activities alone may be insufficient for meeting physical activity recommendations and improving physical fitness. Therefore, children and adolescents educated at home may need additional opportunities to participate in unstructured daily physical activity.