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1.
BMC Public Health ; 22(1): 276, 2022 02 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35144592

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: An extended version of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) was used to inform the design of a framework for an educational resource around e-cigarette use in young people. METHODS: A sequential exploratory design was employed. In Phase 1, elicited behavioural, normative and control beliefs, via 7 focus groups with 51 participants, aged 11-16 years, identified salient beliefs around e-cigarette use. These were used to construct a questionnaire administered to 1511 young people aged 11-16 years, which determined predictors of e-cigarette use and ever use. In Phase 2, sociodemographic variables, e-cigarette knowledge, access, use, marketing and purchasing of e-cigarettes and smoking behaviour were also gathered. The composite findings from Phase 1 and 2 informed the design of a post primary educational resource in Phase 3 around e-cigarette use. RESULTS: Current e-cigarette use was 4%, with almost 23% reporting ever use, suggesting current use is stable but experimentation may be increasing in this cohort. Sociodemographic variables, knowledge of e-cigarettes, smoking behaviour and TPB variables (direct and indirect measures of attitudes, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control) accounted for 17% of the variance in current e-cigarette use, with higher intentions to use e-cigarettes within the next month, having the strongest impact on use (p < 0.001), followed by self-efficacy (p = 0.016). Sociodemographic and TPB variables accounted for 65% of the variance in intentions to use e-cigarettes in the next month; current e-cigarette use (p < 0.001), more positive attitudes (p < 0.001), stronger social influence (p < 0.001), higher self-efficacy (p < 0.001), higher control beliefs (p < 0.001) and greater motivation to use e-cigarettes (p < 0.001) were the main predictors of intentions. Phases 1 and 2 informed the mapping of key predictors of intentions and use of e-cigarettes onto the Theoretical Domains Framework, which identified appropriate intervention functions and behaviour change techniques. CONCLUSIONS: This paper is the first to bridge the theoretical-practice gap in an area of significant public health importance through the development of a framework for a novel theory driven school-based educational resource aimed at reducing experimentation and uptake of e-cigarette use in young people.


Subject(s)
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems , Adolescent , Educational Status , Humans , Intention , Motivation , Schools
2.
Climacteric ; 15(2): 173-80, 2012 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22132771

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the contribution of components of the Health Beliefs Model (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, health motivation, perceived risk and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use), sociodemographic variables (age, duration of postmenopause, hysterectomy and social class) and psychological stress to intentions to use HRT for the first time. METHODS: A quasi-experimental design was used to recruit a clinical sample of 180 postmenopausal women, attending a menopause clinic, with a mean age of 50.74 years (standard deviation 4.75 years). Data were collected using self-report questionnaires. A regression analysis was carried out to establish what predicts intentions to use HRT in this sample; sociodemographic variables were entered in the first step of the regression, followed by health motivation and perceived stress in step two, the third step involved the addition of perceived severity measures, and in the final step susceptibility and perceived risks and benefits were added. RESULTS: The main predictor of intentions to use HRT, after controlling for all other variables, was the belief that the benefits outweigh the risks associated with taking HRT. CONCLUSIONS: This information should be used to develop interventions and health awareness materials about HRT in clinical postmenopausal women.


Subject(s)
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Hormone Replacement Therapy/psychology , Intention , Postmenopause/psychology , Adult , Age Factors , Chi-Square Distribution , Female , Humans , Hysterectomy , Middle Aged , Predictive Value of Tests , Risk Assessment , Self Report , Severity of Illness Index , Social Class , Stress, Psychological/psychology , Time Factors
3.
Eur J Clin Nutr ; 64(10): 1172-8, 2010 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20700135

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Data from human studies that have investigated the association between vitamin D status and cognitive function in elderly adults are conflicting. The objective of this study was to assess vitamin D status (reflected by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)) in older European subjects (n=387; aged 55-87 years) and examine its association with measures of cognitive function. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Serum 25(OH)D was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, whereas measures of cognitive function were assessed using a comprehensive Cambridge Neuropsychological Testing Automated Battery (CANTAB). RESULTS: In all, 12, 36 and 64% of subjects had serum 25(OH)D concentrations <30, <50 and <80 nmol/l, respectively, throughout the year. Serum 25(OH)D was significantly and inversely correlated with four assessments within the spatial working memory (SWM) test parameter (SWM between errors (r=-0.166; P=0.003); SWM between errors 8 boxes (r=-0.134; P=0.038); SWM strategy (r=-0.246; P<0.0001); and SWM total errors (r=-0.174; P<0.003)). When subjects were stratified on the basis of tertiles (T) of serum 25(OH)D (<47.6 (T(1)); 47.6-85.8 (T(2)); and >85.8 (T(3)) nmol/l), fewer errors in SWM test scores occurred in subjects in the third T when compared with the first T (P<0.05-0.084). Stratification by sex showed that these differences between tertiles strengthened (P<0.001-0.043) in the females, but the differences were not significant (P>0.6) in males. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D insufficiency, but not deficiency, is widespread in the older population of several European countries. Low vitamin D status was associated with a reduced capacity for SWM, particularly in women.


Subject(s)
25-Hydroxyvitamin D 2/blood , Calcifediol/blood , Cognition Disorders/epidemiology , Nutritional Status , Vitamin D Deficiency/complications , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Aging , Cognition , Cognition Disorders/blood , Cognition Disorders/complications , Europe/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , Memory Disorders/blood , Memory Disorders/complications , Memory Disorders/epidemiology , Memory, Short-Term , Middle Aged , Neuropsychological Tests , Risk Factors , Severity of Illness Index , Sex Factors , Vitamin D Deficiency/blood , Vitamin D Deficiency/epidemiology
4.
Maturitas ; 63(4): 357-64, 2009 Aug 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19515518

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The study aim was to investigate what life events postmenopausal women attending a menopause clinic, report as stressful and how psychological appraisal of these events, menopausal symptoms and general stress mediate coping style. METHODS: An observational design was used to recruit 179 postmenopausal women attending a menopause clinic for the first time. Data was collected using self-report questionnaires assessing socio-demographic information, menopausal symptoms, perceived stress, named stressful event, psychological appraisal and coping styles employed. RESULTS: All of the women were postmenopausal, with a mean age of 50.74 years (SD=4.75). Stressful events were categorised into family problems, menopause symptoms, work problems, daily hassles and other health problems. The most commonly reported coping styles were in order, catharsis (68%), direct action (66%), and seeking social support (63%). Logistic regression was used to determine what predicts coping style. Socio-demographic variables, menopausal symptoms and general stress levels were not predictive of coping styles in this study. Specific aspects of psychological appraisal were predictive of distraction, direct action, catharsis and seeking social support. CONCLUSIONS: Coping styles most commonly implemented were also the ones predicted by psychological appraisal of the stressful event in this study and tend to be used more so by older women. This information could be used to develop more appropriate interventions for postmenopausal women.


Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Life Change Events , Postmenopause/psychology , Stress, Psychological/psychology , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Surveys and Questionnaires
5.
J Nutr Health Aging ; 11(2): 165-74, 2007.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17435958

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to provide descriptive information on anthropometric status, pathological conditions, cognitive impairment and lifestyle in apparently healthy elderly Italian people. DESIGN, SETTING AND SUBJECTS: In order to recruit the volunteers for the ZENITH study, 359 Italian participants (167 men and 192 women), aged between 70 and 85 years, free living in Rome, were selected. Volunteers underwent a full clinical examination, anthropometric measurements (height, weight), a lifestyle questionnaire and mental health assessment (cognitive impairment and depression). RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was high (57% and 22% in men; 43% and 27% in women). Obesity was associated with low socio-economic profile in about 40% of participants. Although the sample was selected by family doctors and was apparently healthy, after medical screening the presence of several pathologies, particularly diabetes in 21% of participants was observed. There was a low prevalence of cognitive impairment in 4% of men and 7% of women and possible depression in 9% of men and 19% of women. The lifestyle questionnaire showed that most of their time was spent in light activities such as reading, watching TV or playing cards and significant differences between sex and BMI categories were observed (P=0.000). CONCLUSION: The results confirm the increasingly sedentary lifestyle of modern populations and demonstrate the need for sensitive and individualised strategies to design appropriate health promotion and disease prevention programs for older adults.


Subject(s)
Anthropometry , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Health Status , Life Style , Mental Health , Obesity/epidemiology , Activities of Daily Living , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Body Mass Index , Cognition Disorders/diagnosis , Cognition Disorders/epidemiology , Depression/diagnosis , Depression/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/diagnosis , Female , Humans , Italy/epidemiology , Male , Obesity/diagnosis , Sex Factors , Socioeconomic Factors
6.
Eur J Clin Nutr ; 59 Suppl 2: S13-21, 2005 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16254575

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe health and lifestyle factors of participants in the ZENITH study. DESIGN: A prospective multicentre intervention study employing a randomised double-blind design. PARTICIPANTS: Community dwelling older adults (n = 387), aged 55-87 y were recruited from regions in France, Italy and the UK. INTERVENTION: A self-report questionnaire comprising socio-demographic variables, dietary habits, physical activity in the home, at work and recreation. RESULTS: Participants differed with regards dietary habits and physical activity for each region. Recreational activity was higher in France and women generally tend to perform less hours of recreational activity per week than men. CONCLUSIONS: The differences found for these regions of Europe in relation to lifestyle factors will affect health and well-being within these countries and may mediate the impact of zinc supplementation on various biological and psychological parameters.


Subject(s)
Aging/physiology , Health Status , Life Style , Nutrition Surveys , Aged , Double-Blind Method , Europe , Feeding Behavior/physiology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Motor Activity/physiology , Prospective Studies , Recreation/physiology , Self Disclosure , Sex Factors , Socioeconomic Factors , Surveys and Questionnaires , Time Factors
7.
Eur J Clin Nutr ; 59 Suppl 2: S22-5, 2005 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16254576

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of positive and negative affect (mood) in an ageing European sample. BACKGROUND: Mood quality has important implications for both physical and mental wellbeing. Poor quality moods are associated with deficits in the diverse areas of cognitive function, health, and social relationships. The ageing process presents a number of potential challenges to successful mood regulation that could have wider implications. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: The current study examines the quality of positive and negative affect in 387 healthy participants from three European countries. Moods were measured four times a day for 4-7 d with the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) mood scales. Measures of zinc (Zn) status were taken also. SETTING: Two centres concentrated on 55-70 yr olds (Coleraine, N.Ireland, n = 93 and Clermont-Ferrand, France, n = 95), and two centres concentrated on 70-87 yr olds (Rome, Italy, n = 108, and Grenoble, France, n = 91). RESULTS: Positive affect scores for the centre in Rome were significantly (P < 0.01) lower than for the other three centres, and the Grenoble centre had significantly (P < 0.05) higher scores on negative affect than the other three centres. Mood was not related to measures of zinc status (all Ps > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The two centres with the oldest participants showed deficits in mood quality that may have implications for broader well-being.


Subject(s)
Affect/physiology , Aging/psychology , Nutrition Surveys , Zinc/blood , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Analysis of Variance , Dietary Supplements , Europe/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Psychometrics , Reference Values , Sex Factors
8.
Eur J Clin Nutr ; 59 Suppl 2: S31-6, 2005 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16254578

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Age-related decline in taste acuity may be both a cause and an effect of depleted zinc and/or increased zinc requirement. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore associations between zinc status and taste acuity in healthy older European adults aged 55-90 y. SAMPLE: Volunteers were recruited within Italy (n = 108 aged 70-90 y), the United Kingdom (UK) (n = 93 aged 55-70) and two regions of France (n = 186), Grenoble (aged 70-90 y) and Clermont-Ferrand (aged 55-70 y). METHODS: A signal detection theory approach was adopted, employing a three-alternative, forced-choice procedure. The data were converted to R-indices and bivariate correlations were computed to explore relationships between serum zinc, erythrocyte zinc and taste acuity. ANOVA was undertaken to determine regional differences in zinc status. RESULTS: Higher erythrocyte zinc status was associated with better acuity for salt (sodium chloride) taste in the sample as a whole (P = 0.012) (n = 385). Higher serum zinc levels were associated with greater sensitivity to sour taste (citric acid) (P = 0.015) only in the older groups (aged 70-90 y). There were no apparent associations between serum or erythrocyte zinc status and acuity for bitter (quinine) or sweet (sucrose) tastes irrespective of age. CONCLUSION: These results agree with those previously suggesting that age-related detriment in sensitivity for salt taste may be associated with depleted zinc.


Subject(s)
Aging/physiology , Nutrition Surveys , Nutritional Status/physiology , Taste/physiology , Zinc/blood , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Analysis of Variance , Erythrocytes/physiology , Europe/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , ROC Curve , Reference Values , Signal Detection, Psychological/physiology , Single-Blind Method
9.
Eur J Clin Nutr ; 59 Suppl 2: S26-30, 2005 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16254577

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Baseline data are reported from a study of the effects of zinc supplementation on cognitive function in older adults as assessed by the CANTAB computerised test battery. DESIGN: This is a multicentre prospective intervention study employing a randomised double-blind design. SETTING: European community-based study. PARTICIPANTS: There are 387 healthy adults aged 55-87 y from centres in France, Italy and Northern Ireland. INTERVENTIONS: Measures of visual memory, working memory and attention were obtained at baseline (prior to supplementation). RESULTS: Younger adults (<70 y) performed significantly better than older adults (>70 y) on all tests, with minimal differences between centres. In addition, men outperformed women on tests of spatial span, pattern recognition memory and reaction times, although these gender differences varied somewhat between centres. CONCLUSIONS: The results are generally consistent with previous age- and gender-related effects on cognitive functioning.


Subject(s)
Aging/psychology , Cognition/physiology , Dietary Supplements , Zinc/administration & dosage , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Analysis of Variance , Attention/physiology , Double-Blind Method , Europe/epidemiology , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Memory/physiology , Middle Aged , Neuropsychological Tests , Prospective Studies , Reference Values , Sex Factors
10.
Eur J Clin Nutr ; 59 Suppl 2: S5-7, 2005 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16254582

ABSTRACT

Zinc is known to be essential for a great number of biochemical activities and physiological and cognitive functions. The objective of Zenith study was to investigate the effects of Zn, as a nutritional supplement, on psychological and behavioural factors and on surrogate markers that are indicative of trends towards better health in order to evaluate the need for dietary recommendations specific to the studied population. We report in this paper the summary of baseline results obtained before Zn supplementation.


Subject(s)
Aging/physiology , Micronutrients , Nutrition Surveys , Zinc , Aged , Aging/immunology , Aging/metabolism , Basal Metabolism/drug effects , Basal Metabolism/physiology , Bone and Bones/drug effects , Bone and Bones/metabolism , Cognition/drug effects , Cognition/physiology , Europe/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Oxidative Stress/physiology , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic/statistics & numerical data , Thyroid Hormones/blood
11.
Eur J Clin Nutr ; 59 Suppl 2: S8-12, 2005 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16254588

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To report the rational, design, recruitment, baseline characteristics and preliminary overview of volunteers in the ZENITH study. DESIGN: A multicentre prospective intervention study employing a randomised double-blind design. SETTING: Clermont-Ferrand, Theix (France), Coleraine (Northern Ireland), Grenoble (France), Rome (Italy). PARTICIPANTS: Healthy men and women middle-aged (55-70 y) and older volunteers (70-87 y). INTERVENTIONS: At baseline (prior to zinc (Zn) supplementation), all volunteers underwent a full clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, health and lifestyle questionnaire, Mini Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, and biochemistry profile. RESULTS: In total, 842 volunteers (378 men and 464 women) were invited to take part in the study. A total of 49% of these volunteers were excluded on the basis of inclusion/exclusion criteria. In total, 433 participants were admitted to the Zn supplementation for 6 months. During this period, about 10% of volunteers dropped out from the study. CONCLUSIONS: A total of 387 subjects (197 male and 190 female subjects) successfully completed the supplementation phase of the ZENITH study.


Subject(s)
Aging/physiology , Mass Screening/methods , Nutrition Surveys , Patient Selection , Research Design , Aged , Anthropometry/methods , Double-Blind Method , Europe , Female , Health Status , Humans , Life Style , Male , Middle Aged , Physical Examination/methods , Prospective Studies , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales , Reference Values
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