Samer Koutoubi, MD, PhD

Abstract: Engaging in physical activity (PA), minimizing sitting time and consuming a healthy diet
are behaviors associated with health and wellness across the lifespan. The present multi-study
analysis examined the relationship between grit and PA, sitting time and dietary behaviors in several
populations that included US adults, active-duty military personnel, veterans, college students and
performing artists. The four research laboratories administered an internet-based survey… Show more

Abstract: Engaging in physical activity (PA), minimizing sitting time and consuming a healthy diet
are behaviors associated with health and wellness across the lifespan. The present multi-study
analysis examined the relationship between grit and PA, sitting time and dietary behaviors in several
populations that included US adults, active-duty military personnel, veterans, college students and
performing artists. The four research laboratories administered an internet-based survey between
spring and summer of 2020. The common questionnaires on the surveys were the Grit Scale Short
Form, International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and the Rapid Eating Assessment for
Participants Short Form. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the association
between grit, PA, sitting time and dietary behaviors. PA was associated with grit for US adults,
civilians and college students but not for performing artists or active-duty military populations.
Sitting time was associated with grit for US adults and active-duty military personnel. US adults,
college students and performing artists were found to have a positive association between healthy
dietary behaviors and grit. Overall, the findings indicate that grit has a positive influence on PA,
sitting time and dietary behaviors across the unique populations; however, the relationships indicate
some nuanced differences between the populations.

Martin J, Toczko M, Locke E, McCarthy R, Milani I, Barrios N, Koutoubi S, Ambegaonkar J, Dhokai N, Boolani A. Influence of Grit on Physical Activity, Sitting Time and Dietary Behaviors: A Multi-Study Analysis. Sustainability. 2023; 15(1):211. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010211 Show less

Background and Program: Secure email messaging is used to provide timely communication between healthcare providers and patients with medical information and education. There have been increasing rates of overweight and obesity among military healthcare patients. To address this issue, we utilized a secure email messaging system that is primarily used for medication refills. This commentary demonstrates the extent to which the message was viewed and how much the message was liked. Preliminary… Show more

Background and Program: Secure email messaging is used to provide timely communication between healthcare providers and patients with medical information and education. There have been increasing rates of overweight and obesity among military healthcare patients. To address this issue, we utilized a secure email messaging system that is primarily used for medication refills. This commentary demonstrates the extent to which the message was viewed and how much the message was liked. Preliminary Results: Of the 16,020 individuals emailed, 7,011 participants (43.8%) opened the email, and 1,023 patients (14.6% of those who opened it) completed the survey. Satisfaction rate for the health promotion message was 77.2%. Participants reported an intent to eat more fruit and vegetables (49.6%), decrease portion sizes (38.8%), and increase physical activity (51.1%), while 33.6% reported having no intent to change. Conclusion: The majority were satisfied with the health promotion message. This email method enables a single provider to have increased contact with patients. It is unknown if this message reached higher risk or harder to reach participants, a patient subset that could benefit most from this type of communication. This study is unique in that to our knowledge it is the first one to use secure email messaging in the military healthcare system for health promotion. Show less

The purpose of this study was to measure knowledge and awareness of diabetes mellitus and weight change among Iranian adults living in the United States (U.S.). In a cross-sectional design, a recruitment flyer was used at Iranian grocery stores, and other public places where Iranian-Americans congregate. Interested subjects received a link to access and complete an online survey. Questionnaires were completed by 171 Iranian adults living in the greater Seattle, WA area. Questionnaires included… Show more

The purpose of this study was to measure knowledge and awareness of diabetes mellitus and weight change among Iranian adults living in the United States (U.S.). In a cross-sectional design, a recruitment flyer was used at Iranian grocery stores, and other public places where Iranian-Americans congregate. Interested subjects received a link to access and complete an online survey. Questionnaires were completed by 171 Iranian adults living in the greater Seattle, WA area. Questionnaires included personal characteristics, weight change, and knowledge and awareness of diabetes. "Knowledge" was defined as: knowledge of risk factors, symptoms and complication, treatment and management, and monitoring. Among subjects, 76.0% reported weight change of more than five pounds since migration to the U.S. (p<0.001), compared to those without any weight change. Show less