Percorrer por autor "Calmeiro, Luís"
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- Assessment and impact of the risk of exposure of Portuguese biomedical scientists in the context of COVID-19Publication . Tavares, Ana Sofia; Bellém, Fernando; Abreu, Renato; Leitão, Maria do Céu; Medeiros, Nuno; Alves, Patrícia; Calmeiro, LuísCurrently, the main public health concern worldwide is the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, which was recently discovered and described. Due to its high pathogenicity and infectiousness, it is necessary to determine the risk healthcare professionals face every day while dealing with infected patients and contaminated biological samples. The purpose of this study was to assess Portuguese Biomedical Scientists' risk of COVID-19 exposure and related stress appraisals. One hundred and forty participants completed online versions of the WHO's Risk Assessment and Management of Exposure Survey and the Stress Appraisal Measure. Participants worked mainly in outpatient settings (45%), and in emergency services (28%). Twenty-three percent of participants were exposed to COVID-19 through community exposure, and 39% through occupational exposure. Although 95% reported using personal protective equipment (PPE), 83.6% were at high risk of infection. However, the use of some types of PPE was related to the risk of exposure. Participants reported moderate perceptions of stress and threat, but also moderate perceptions of control over the situation. These results may contribute to more efficient risk management of these professionals and prevent disease transmission in hospitals and communities.
- Characteristics of gym-goers performance-enhancing substance usePublication . Tavares, Ana Sofia; Carolino, Elisabete; Rosado, António; Calmeiro, Luís; Serpa, SidónioThe use of prohibited performance-enhancing substances (PES) in fitness and gym settings is a public health concern as knowledge concerning its short-term and long-term adverse health consequences are emerging. Understanding the underlying psychosocial mechanisms of PES use and the characteristics of the gym-goers who use PES could help identify those who are most vulnerable to PES use. The aim of this study was to investigate the profile (e.g., sociodemographic factors, exercise profile, gym modalities, peers, and social influence) and psychosocial determinants (e.g., attitudes, subjective norms, beliefs, and intentions) of PES users in gym and fitness contexts. In total, 453 gym-goers (mean age = 35.64 years; SD = 13.08) completed an online survey. Neural networks showed a global profile of PES users characterized by a desire to increase muscle mass, shape their body, and improve physical condition; being advised by friends, training colleagues, and coaches or on the Internet; less formal education, and more positive beliefs for PES use. These results may support public health and clinical interventions to prevent abusive use of PES and improve the health and well-being of gym-goers.
- Portuguese gym-goers versus performance enhancing substances: what do we know?Publication . Tavares, Ana Sofia; Carolino, Elisabete; Teques, Pedro; Calmeiro, Luís; Serpa, SidónioThe use of prohibited performance-enhancing substances (PES) in gyms is a public health concern due to emerging adverse health effects. While psychological and social factors (intentions, attitudes, and beliefs) influencing PES use are known, understanding reasons for non-use is crucial. Demographic factors like being male, having less education, being unemployed, training frequently, and bodybuilding are linked to PES use. The study aims to identify the profile of gym-goers who do not use PES to distinguish risk characteristics from preventive ones.
- Protective factors of performance-enhancing substances use in a sample of Portuguese gym-goersPublication . Tavares, Ana Sofia; Carolino, Elisabete; Teques, Pedro; Calmeiro, Luís; Serpa, SidónioBackground: Nowadays, the increased Performance Enhancing-Substance (PES) use in fitness centers is seen as a problematic phenomenon, since it has the potential to grow, and could be seen as an emerging public health and societal concern. Studies focusing on PES use among gym-goers are few and they do not provide information concerning protective factors that justify the refusing intention to use these substances. Understanding the underlying psychosocial mechanisms of PES use and the protective factors of the gym-goers who refuse the use of these substances could help identify those who are most resistant to PES use. Aim: To investigate the protective factors (e.g., sociodemographic factors, exercise profile, gym modalities, peers, social influence, attitudes, subjective norms, beliefs, and intentions) of PES refusing intention in gym-goers. Participants: A convenience sample of 453 Portuguese gym-goers having a mean age of 35.64 (SD=13.08) Tool: Web self-administered questionnaire containing questions related to sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported use of PES, as well as the QAD-Fit based on the Theory of Planned Behavior which is composed by questions grouped on four dimensions (attitudes, beliefs, intentions, and subjective norms). Procedures: Data was collected using an online self-administrated questionnaire, and results were analysed using Decision Trees, which are a method widely used in classifying and identifying profiles, in machine learning and data mining. Results: 88,9% of gym-goers reported the refusal of prohibited PES, showing that being a woman, training less frequently, not practicing bodybuilding, and having a negative intention to consume PES, could be considered protective factors for PES use. Conclusion: Results identifying the protective factors associated with PES refusal intention, which may support public health and clinical interventions to prevent abusive use of PES and improve the health and well-being of gym-goers.