Elmira Farmanbordar, Mohammad Taghi Badeleh Shamushaki ,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background: Body image studies confirm a higher level of dissatisfaction among women compared to men, and some evidence shows that ethnicity may have a role in the level of body image fear.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the data of 372 Fars and Turkmen women visiting health care centers in Gonbad, Iran, were collected via convenience sampling and analyzed by SPSS v. 17. The instruments were a demographic checklist and Littleton's Body Image Concern Inventory.
Results: The level of fear of body image between Fars (M = 2.022, SD = 0.685) and Turkmen (M = 2.1408, SD = 0.661) ethnicities was not statistically different (P-value = 0.09) based on the t test. Furthermore, age, education level, and internet usage were significantly related to the variable of fear of body image.
Conclusion: The role of ethnicity in the fear of body image is not statistically significant and needs further research.
Sara Saghali , Gholam Reza Mahmoodi-Shan, Mohammad Taghi Badeleh , Mohammad Ali Vakili ,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background: Walking in water is a method that likely increases happiness levels. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of group walking in water on the happiness levels of elderly women.
Methods: This field trial study was conducted on 62 elderly women in Gorgan city in 2020. The subjects were selected using the available sampling method and then randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, a walking program was carried out for 8 weeks, with 3 sessions of 20 minutes each week. No intervention was performed in the control group. The happiness levels of both groups were evaluated before and after 8 weeks using the Oxford questionnaire, which has confirmed validity and reliability. Tests such as chi-square, t-test, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests were used to analyze the data. The significance level was set at 0.05.
Results: The mean and standard deviation of age in the intervention and control groups were 64.87 ± 3.62 and 64.12 ± 3.11, respectively. The average happiness level of elderly women increased from 39.10 in the intervention group to 76.74 after walking in the water (P = 0.0001). The average happiness level in the control group increased from 39.48 before the intervention to 41.16 (P = 0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the results of this research, group walking in water increases the happiness levels of the elderly. It is a suitable method of physical activity that is well-received, particularly for those with executive ability. It is recommended to encourage elderly individuals with this ability to engage in water walking.
