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1.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36834113

ABSTRACT

Many children caring for ill or disabled family members remain 'hidden' and 'invisible' in our communities. This study is the first to explore patterns of change, over time and throughout austerity, for children with caregiving roles to better understand how their lives differ from those of their non-caregiving peers. A survey of 2154 children, aged 9-18 years in the general population, and a further 21 children, aged 8-18 years and known to be young carers from the same English unitary authority, was conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of children's perceptions and experiences of what they do to help at home. This study shows that children with caregiving roles remain a distinctive group who assume more domestic and caring responsibilities than their peers, and who also perform many of these activities more frequently than young caregivers in 2001. Approximately 19% of the respondents in the general population showed signs of being in a caring role, double the percentage identified by the author in 2001, 72% of whom were from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. Indicating over time higher levels of unmet needs among parents and other family members who are ill or disabled, these findings have important implications for professional policy, planning and practice across adult and children's services.


Subject(s)
Caregivers , Disabled Persons , Adult , Child , Humans , Family , Ethnicity , Minority Groups
2.
J Hum Nutr Diet ; 35(6): 1230-1244, 2022 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35174931

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fruit intake, including consumption of 100% fruit juice, is generally associated with a better diet quality and overall health. However, fruit and vegetable intakes are below recommendations in many countries. METHODS: The present study examined fruit juice intake and total energy and nutrient intakes according to juice consumption or non-consumption in participants in the National Dietary and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme 2014-2016 in the UK (n = 2723) and the Individual and National Study on Food Consumption 2006-2007 (n = 4079) in France. Total energy and nutrient intakes were also estimated for scenarios in which orange juice with pomace was either added to the daily diet or replaced 100% orange juice or beverages containing fruit juice. RESULTS: Fruit juice consumers had higher intakes of fruits and vegetables than non-consumers, were more likely to reach 5-a-day targets for fruit and vegetable consumption, and had significantly higher intakes of folate, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and fibre. Juice consumers also had higher total energy and sugar intakes, but lower body mass index than non-juice consumers. Modelling consumption of orange juice with pomace increased fibre and potassium intakes in orange juice consumers, and also increased fibre, most micronutrients, and 5-a-day achievements in non-juice consumers. CONCLUSIONS: These national survey results demonstrate that fruit juice consumers in the UK and France had higher intakes of fruits and vegetables than fruit juice non-consumers, and significantly higher intakes of several micronutrients and fibre. Furthermore, modelling of consumption of orange juice with pomace increased fibre and select micronutrient intakes, particularly among fruit juice non-consumers.


Subject(s)
Citrus sinensis , Humans , Fruit and Vegetable Juices , Energy Intake , Feeding Behavior , Nutrition Surveys , Diet , Dietary Fiber , Vegetables , Fruit , Micronutrients , Eating , Potassium , United Kingdom
3.
Behav Sci Law ; 39(3): 307-327, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33786890

ABSTRACT

The current study examines data extracted from revocation files of a national youth-serving organization (YSO) involving 7819 revoked individuals and 12,254 alleged child victims to better understand victim selection patterns of community-residing child molesters. These data demonstrate consistent patterns of victim selection based upon the age, gender, and YSO affiliation of each victim. We created two variables to explore whether the revoked individual was "likely pedophilic (LP)" or a "mixed offender (MO)" based upon their behaviors and patterns of victim selection. Compared with the non-LPs and non-MOs, LPs and MOs had more known victims, were more often involved in other YSOs, and were more likely to have had contact with law enforcement. We utilized a public health perspective to interpret these findings, suggesting that child sexual abuse in YSOs reflects a societal problem that is not a unique phenomenon specific to programs offering services to youth.


Subject(s)
Child Abuse, Sexual , Child Abuse , Crime Victims , Criminals , Adolescent , Child , Family , Humans
4.
Behav Sci Law ; 39(3): 262-278, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33300651

ABSTRACT

Offender motivation for child abduction determines both the nature and final outcome of the abduction. Research has identified victim characteristics, offender characteristics, and sexual motivations as factors influencing child abduction and child abduction homicide. We examine 565 child abductions identified through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to determine the characteristics of victim, perpetrator, and crime and their influence on whether the child is murdered. Central to this research was the finding that 88.6% of the abductions involved a sexual motivation for the crime, and sexual motivation was significantly more likely when the victim was female and when the victim was post-pubescent. Of 581 child victims for whom the outcome of the abduction was known, 281 (48.3%) were found alive and 300 (51.7%) were found dead or presumed dead. There was a significant interaction between motive for the crime and the final abduction outcome, with victims abducted for sexual purposes being at higher risk of being murdered.


Subject(s)
Crime Victims , Criminals , Adolescent , Child , Family , Female , Homicide , Humans , Motivation
5.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr ; 28(1): 106-115, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30896421

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Lactation is a time of increased nutritional requirements for mothers, and inadequate nutrient intake may have a detrimental effect on a woman's nutritional status. To investigate the dietary intake of two groups of women in Shanghai during the traditional confinement period. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Two groups of women (1) a community dwelling sample (n=92); (2) residents in a Maternity Care Centre (MCC) (n=30), kept a prospective dietary record which was complemented by photographing. This data collection was done on a single day on three occasions in the community group, and for three days on five occasions in the MCC one. The mean nutrient intakes of the two groups were compared at common time points to dietary reference intakes, and the food intake was compared to dietary guidelines. RESULTS: Over half of this population had high body mass indices (BMIs) which reported that an excessive proportion of calories had come from fat intake. The mean intakes of sodium were higher than the recommended. Fruit, vegetable, bean, tuber, and milk intakes were lower than the recommendations. Over 70% of the women failed to meet the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for calcium. A notable proportion of all women failed to meet the EAR for vitamin C, thiamin, and riboflavin. Dietary fiber intakes were low, with a group mean intake value less than half the Adequate Intake (AI). CONCLUSIONS: This study on dietary intakes indicates nutritional intake issues may exist among lactating women in Shanghai, particularly in community-dwelling women.


Subject(s)
Diet Records , Eating , Lactation/physiology , Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Postpartum Period/physiology , China , Energy Intake , Female , Humans , Nutritional Requirements , Nutritional Status , Prospective Studies
6.
Appetite ; 137: 174-197, 2019 06 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30794819

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although most children do not meet vegetable intake recommendations no clear universal guidelines exist on the best method of introducing and promoting vegetables in infants. OBJECTIVE: To identify strategies to promote vegetable acceptance in children from the start of complementary feeding until 3 years of age. DESIGN: A comprehensive search strategy was performed using the databases Scopus and Pubmed. Articles published before March 2018 measuring vegetable intake and/or liking were included. RESULTS: 46 papers, 25 experimental (intervention) studies, and 21 observational studies were included. Intervention studies revealed that repeated exposure increased acceptance of the target vegetable, whereas exposure to variety was found to be particularly effective in increasing acceptance of a new vegetable. Starting complementary feeding with vegetables increased vegetable acceptance, whereas starting with fruits did not. Visual exposure to an unfamiliar vegetable increased the acceptance of that vegetable even without consuming it, while visual exposure to a familiar vegetable did not. A stepwise introduction of vegetables resulted in better initial acceptance of vegetables than introducing vegetables directly. Observational studies showed that vegetable consumption was associated with frequency of exposure, exposure to variety, and modelling. A majority of studies found a positive association between breastfeeding and vegetable acceptance, but only two out of seven studies found an association between age of vegetable introduction and their acceptance. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the papers reviewed, we conclude that introducing vegetables at the beginning of complementary feeding, giving a different type of vegetable every day and ensuring repeated exposure to the same vegetable following an interval of a few days are the most promising strategies to promote vegetable intake in children starting complementary feeding until they are 3 years of age.


Subject(s)
Feeding Behavior , Food Preferences/psychology , Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Vegetables , Breast Feeding , Child, Preschool , Diet , Humans , Infant , Observational Studies as Topic , Taste
7.
Nurs Child Young People ; 30(6): 38-47, 2018 Nov 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30387576

ABSTRACT

Complementary feeding is an important developmental milestone in children and occurs at a formative time for the development of healthy eating habits that can continue into later childhood and beyond. The timing of weaning has been a controversial subject and recommendations in the UK differ from those in Europe. In the UK and New Zealand, baby-led weaning is becoming increasingly popular. The importance of responsive feeding is highlighted to make parents aware of a baby's cues indicating hunger or fullness. There have also been advances in the science of immunology that deem the early introduction of allergens to be a preventive strategy for food allergies. This article discusses the nutritional requirements for infants and reviews the foods that should be introduced and avoided. Guidelines are changing all the time, so nurses must keep up to date with current research to be able to offer advice to parents of infants.


Subject(s)
Feeding Behavior , Food Hypersensitivity/therapy , Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena/physiology , Weaning , Child , Food Hypersensitivity/prevention & control , Guidelines as Topic , Humans , Infant , Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena/standards
8.
Eur J Nutr ; 57(6): 2311, 2018 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29978379

ABSTRACT

In the original publication of the article, a mistake was introduced in affiliation of Dr. Michael Nelson.

9.
Eur J Nutr ; 57(Suppl 3): 43-51, 2018 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29923117

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In recent years, evidence has emerged about the importance of healthy fluid intake in children for physical and mental performance and health, and in the prevention of obesity. Accurate data on water intake are needed to inform researchers and policymakers and for setting dietary reference values. However, to date, there are few published data on fluid or water intakes in children. This is due partly to the fact that drinking water is not always reported in dietary surveys. The aim of this paper is to review the current status of the literature and highlight the challenges of assessing total fluid intake in children and adolescents. RESULTS: From the dietary assessment literature it is apparent that children present unique challenges to assessing intake due to ongoing cognitive capacity development, limited literacy skills, difficulties in estimating portion sizes and multiple caregivers during any 1 day making it difficult to track intakes. As such, many issues should be considered when assessing total fluid intakes in children or adolescents. Various methods to assess fluid intakes exist, each with its own strengths and weaknesses; the ultimate choice of method depends on the research question and resources available. Based on the literature review, it is apparent that if the research focus is to assess only fluid intake, a fluid-specific method, such as a diary or record, appears to be a feasible approach to provide an accurate estimate of intakes.


Subject(s)
Beverages , Drinking , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Diet , Drinking/physiology , Energy Intake , Europe , Female , Humans , Male , Nutrition Policy
10.
Psychol Serv ; 15(4): 543-552, 2018 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29172574

ABSTRACT

Our study examines the association between Historical, Clinical, Risk Management-20: Version 2; Psychopathy Checklist-Revised; and Violence Risk Assessment Guide scores and violence perpetrated during incarceration by male and female inmates. Using a sample of 288 men and 183 women selected from prisons in 2 states, we used receiver operating characteristics analyses to assess the potential of these 3 measures to predict threatened, physical, or sexual prison violence measured in 2 ways: inmate self-report and formal institutional infractions. We found all 3 instruments to demonstrate moderate to good levels of predictive accuracy for both the male and female inmates, a finding that suggests that actuarial, structured professional judgment and personality measures perform in a broadly comparable manner in assessing institutional violence for both men and women. Our findings did vary on the basis of the way violence was measured: Women self-reported significantly higher levels of prison violence than was suggested by their institutional infractions, and the associative power of the instruments diminished substantially, particularly among the men, when institutional infractions alone were used in the analyses. These findings suggest that the 3 risk measures are likely to be gender neutral in their association with prison violence, albeit with gender-related differences in the frequency of violent behavior and the relevance of particular subscales. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).


Subject(s)
Physical Abuse/statistics & numerical data , Prisons/statistics & numerical data , Psychometrics/instrumentation , Risk Assessment/methods , Sex Offenses/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prisoners/statistics & numerical data , Self Report/statistics & numerical data , Sex Factors , Young Adult
11.
Nutr Res Rev ; 30(2): 272-283, 2017 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28718396

ABSTRACT

The role of mindfulness, mindful eating and a newer concept of intuitive eating in modulating eating habits is an area of increasing interest. In this structured literature review, a summary of the current evidence is presented, together with details of interventions undertaken and the tools to measure outcomes. It is broad in scope given the emerging evidence base in this area. The review yielded sixty-eight publications: twenty-three interventions in obese/overweight populations; twenty-nine interventions in normal-weight populations; sixteen observational studies, three of which were carried out in overweight/obese populations. Mindfulness-based approaches appear most effective in addressing binge eating, emotional eating and eating in response to external cues. There is a lack of compelling evidence for the effectiveness of mindfulness and mindful eating in weight management. Mindfulness-based approaches may prevent weight gain. Reduced food intake was seen in some of the studies in overweight and obese populations, but this was less apparent in the studies in normal-weight populations. The evidence base for intuitive eating is limited to date and further research is needed to examine its potential in altering eating behaviours. Mindfulness appears to work by an increased awareness of internal, rather than external, cues to eat. Mindfulness and mindful eating have the potential to address problematic eating behaviours and the challenges many face with controlling their food intake. Encouraging a mindful eating approach would seem to be a positive message to be included in general weight management advice to the public.


Subject(s)
Behavior Therapy/methods , Eating/psychology , Feeding Behavior/physiology , Feeding Behavior/psychology , Mindfulness , Awareness , Binge-Eating Disorder/therapy , Cues , Emotions , Food Preferences/psychology , Humans , Hunger , Obesity/therapy , Overweight/therapy , Treatment Outcome
12.
Law Hum Behav ; 41(3): 217-229, 2017 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28182458

ABSTRACT

Combined evaluations of competency to stand trial (CST; competency) and mental state at the time of the offense (MSO; sanity) frequently co-occur. However, most research examines the 2 as discrete constructs without considering 4 potential combined evaluation outcomes: competent-sane, incompetent-sane, competent-insane, and incompetent-insane. External validity can be improved if research more closely mirrored practice. It may be incorrect to assume incompetent defendants are similar across CST-only and combined evaluations, and insane defendants are similar across MSO-only and combined evaluations. Using a sample of 2,751 combined evaluations, we examined demographic, clinical, offense, evaluation, and psycholegal characteristics associated with evaluators' combined evaluation opinions. Multinomial regression analyses revealed older defendants were more likely to be opined incompetent-insane. Defendants with psychotic disorders were more often opined insane, regardless of competency status. Affective diagnoses predicted competent-insane opinions. Developmental disorders were closely related to incompetence, regardless of sanity status. Defendants with organic disorders tended to have global psycholegal impairment, in that they were more often opined incompetent-insane, incompetent-sane, or competent-insane, relative to competent-sane. Prior hospitalization predicted competent-insane relative to competent-sane opinions. Defendants not under the influence of a substance during the offense or with no prior convictions were more likely to be opined insane, regardless of competency status. We interpret these findings in light of psycholegal theory and provide recommendations for research and practice. Collectively, results suggest incorporation of combined evaluations into CST and MSO research is an important methodological consideration not to be overlooked. (PsycINFO Database Record


Subject(s)
Criminals/psychology , Insanity Defense , Mental Competency/psychology , Mental Disorders/psychology , Adult , Age Distribution , Female , Forensic Psychiatry , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Regression Analysis , Universities , Virginia
13.
PLoS One ; 11(3): e0151787, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27022913

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Adolescent obesity is difficult to treat and the optimal dietary pattern, particularly in relation to macronutrient composition, remains controversial. This study tested the effect of two structured diets with differing macronutrient composition versus control, on weight, body composition and metabolic parameters in obese adolescents. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial conducted in a children's hospital. METHODS: Eighty seven obese youth (means: age 13.6 years, BMI z-score 2.2, waist: height ratio 0.65, 69% female) completed a psychological preparedness program and were then randomized to a short term 'structured modified carbohydrate' (SMC, 35% carbohydrate; 30% protein; 35% fat, n = 37) or a 'structured low fat' (SLF, 55% carbohydrate; 20% protein; 25% fat, n = 36) or a wait listed control group (n = 14). Anthropometric, body composition and biochemical parameters were measured at randomization and after 12 weeks, and analyzed under the intention to treat principle using analysis of variance models. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, data was collected from 79 (91%) participants. BMI z-scores were significantly lower in both intervention groups compared to control after adjusting for baseline values, SLF vs. control, mean difference = -0.13 (95%CI = -0.18, -0.07), P<0.001; SMC vs. control, -0.14 (-0.19, -0.09), P<0.001, but there was no difference between the two intervention diet groups: SLF vs. SMC, 0.00 (-0.05, 0.04), P = 0.83. CONCLUSIONS: Both dietary patterns resulted in similar changes in weight, body composition and metabolic improvements compared to control. The use of a structured eating system which allows flexibility but limited choices can assist in weight change and the rigid application of a low fat eating pattern is not exclusive in its efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Clinical Trials Registry ISRCTN49438757.


Subject(s)
Body Composition , Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Pediatric Obesity/metabolism , Weight Loss , Adolescent , Anthropometry , Demography , Diet , Energy Metabolism , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Patient Selection
14.
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act ; 9: 103, 2012 Aug 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22938557

ABSTRACT

Physical inactivity is one of the four leading risk factors for global mortality. Accurate measurement of physical activity (PA) and in particular by physical activity questionnaires (PAQs) remains a challenge. The aim of this paper is to provide an updated systematic review of the reliability and validity characteristics of existing and more recently developed PAQs and to quantitatively compare the performance between existing and newly developed PAQs.A literature search of electronic databases was performed for studies assessing reliability and validity data of PAQs using an objective criterion measurement of PA between January 1997 and December 2011. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were screened and data were extracted to provide a systematic overview of measurement properties. Due to differences in reported outcomes and criterion methods a quantitative meta-analysis was not possible.In total, 31 studies testing 34 newly developed PAQs, and 65 studies examining 96 existing PAQs were included. Very few PAQs showed good results on both reliability and validity. Median reliability correlation coefficients were 0.62-0.71 for existing, and 0.74-0.76 for new PAQs. Median validity coefficients ranged from 0.30-0.39 for existing, and from 0.25-0.41 for new PAQs.Although the majority of PAQs appear to have acceptable reliability, the validity is moderate at best. Newly developed PAQs do not appear to perform substantially better than existing PAQs in terms of reliability and validity. Future PAQ studies should include measures of absolute validity and the error structure of the instrument.


Subject(s)
Health Surveys/standards , Motor Activity , Surveys and Questionnaires/standards , Activities of Daily Living , Energy Metabolism , Exercise , Health Surveys/instrumentation , Humans , Life Style , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity
15.
Health Educ Behav ; 39(2): 131-41, 2012 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21890696

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to examine gender differences in the impact of a school garden and nutrition curriculum on fruit and vegetable intake, willingness to taste, and taste ratings in 127 children (11 to 12 years, 54% boys) in regional New South Wales, Australia. Classes were assigned to wait-list control, nutrition education only (NE), or nutrition education plus garden (NE + G) groups. Carrot taste rating was the only vegetable for which there was a significant gender difference, with girls rating it more highly (p = .04). There were no significant gender differences in fruit and vegetable consumption or willingness to taste scores for any other vegetables. There was a group effect (p < .001) for overall willingness to taste, overall taste rating, and the taste rating of pea and broccoli (p < .001), tomato (p = .03), and lettuce (p = .02). In the post hoc analysis by gender, both boys and girls in NE + G and NE groups were more willing to taste vegetables compared with control boys and girls postintervention (p < .001, p = .02). Boys in the NE + G group were more willing to taste all vegetables overall compared with NE boys at posttest (p = .05) and this approached significance for girls (p = .07). For overall tasting scores, a group effect was seen in girls only (p = .05). No significant treatment-time effect was found for vegetable intake in either gender. Further research is needed to examine whether a school garden, with or without school curriculum components, can be used to optimize fruit and vegetable intakes, particularly in boys.


Subject(s)
Cooking , Food Preferences , Fruit , Gardening/education , Schools/organization & administration , Vegetables , Diet/statistics & numerical data , Female , Health Education/methods , Health Education/organization & administration , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Health Promotion/methods , Health Promotion/organization & administration , Humans , Male , New South Wales , Sex Factors , Taste
16.
Pediatrics ; 127(4): 619-27, 2011 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21444600

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Outcomes of childhood obesity interventions are rarely reported beyond 1 year. We hypothesized that the impact on the BMI z score from a child-centered physical-activity program in combination with a parent-centered dietary-modification program would be greater than either program conducted alone at 24 months' after baseline. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A total of 165 overweight prepubertal children (68 boys, aged 5.5-9.9 years, mean BMI z score: 2.8) were randomly assigned to either a child-centered physical-activity program, a parent-centered dietary-modification program, or both conducted together in an assessor-blinded 6-month intervention. RESULTS: Using linear mixed models, all groups reduced their mean (95% confidence interval) BMI z score at 24 months from baseline (P < .001) (the activity and diet group: -0.24 [-0.35 to -0.13]; the diet-only group: -0.35 [-0.48 to -0.22]; activity-only group -0.19 [-0.30 to -0.07]). There was a significant group-by-time interaction (P = .04) with the activity + diet and the diet-only groups showing a greater reduction than the activity-only group. For waist z score and waist-to-height ratio, there was a significant time effect (P < .0001) at 24 months but no between-group differences (P > .05). Some metabolic outcomes improved at 24 months, although there were no between-group differences (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: A reduction in BMI z score was sustained at 24 months by treatment with either program combination. The greatest effects were achieved through inclusion of a parent-centered diet program, indicating the importance of targeting parents within treatment and the possibility of targeting them exclusively in treating obese prepubertal children.


Subject(s)
Diet, Reducing , Education , Exercise , Motor Activity , Obesity/diet therapy , Body Mass Index , Child , Child, Preschool , Cohort Studies , Combined Modality Therapy , Energy Intake , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , New South Wales , Secondary Prevention , Waist Circumference
17.
J Paediatr Child Health ; 47(1-2): 2-4, 2011 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20500431

ABSTRACT

We describe the characteristics of adolescents seeking treatment for obesity via the 'Eat Smart' feasibility study; an intensive 12 week dietitian-led weight management programme with an emphasis on lifestyle change. It was designed to test the feasibility of a structured low-fat diet compared with a semi-structured reduced carbohydrate plan compared with a model of 'standard care'- an unstructured low fat approach. When compared with non-participants, participants were predominantly female and lived in lower socioeconomic areas. When given the choice of dietary approach, 50% elected reduced dietary carbohydrate, 43% structured low fat and 7% chose 'standard care'. Modest weight loss was achieved over 12 weeks, with both the structured low fat and reduced carbohydrate formats. Families showed a strong preference for structured eating plans, in particular seeking assistance with correct portion size. The current standard model of unstructured advice was both unpopular and relatively unsuccessful.


Subject(s)
Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted/methods , Diet, Fat-Restricted/methods , Obesity/diet therapy , Adolescent , Body Mass Index , Comorbidity , Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted/psychology , Diet, Fat-Restricted/psychology , Feasibility Studies , Female , Health Services Accessibility , Humans , Male , Obesity/psychology , Queensland , Socioeconomic Factors , Standard of Care , Weight Loss/physiology
18.
Obesity (Silver Spring) ; 19(1): 142-51, 2011 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20523304

ABSTRACT

This article reports the 12-month follow-up results and process evaluation of the SHED-IT (Self-Help, Exercise, and Diet using Information Technology) trial, an Internet-based weight loss program exclusively for men. Sixty-five overweight/obese male staff and students at the University of Newcastle (Callaghan, Australia) (mean (s.d.) age = 35.9 (11.1) years; BMI = 30.6 (2.8)) were randomly assigned to either (i) Internet group (n = 34) or (ii) Information only control group (n = 31). Both received one face-to-face information session and a program booklet. Internet group participants were instructed to use the study website for 3 months. Participants were assessed at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up for weight, waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, and resting heart rate. Retention at 3- and 12-months was 85% and 71%, respectively. Intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis using linear mixed models revealed significant and sustained weight loss of -5.3 kg (95% confidence interval (CI): -7.5, -3.0) at 12 months for the Internet group and -3.1 kg (95% CI: -5.4, -0.7) for the control group with no group difference. A significant time effect was found for all outcomes (P < 0.001). Per-protocol analysis revealed a significant group-by-time interaction for weight, waist circumference, BMI, and systolic blood pressure. Internet group compliers (who self-monitored as instructed) maintained greater weight loss at 12 months (-8.8 kg; 95% CI -11.8, -5.9) than noncompliers (-1.9 kg; 95% CI -4.8, 1.0) and controls (-3.0 kg; 95% CI -5.2, -0.9). Qualitative analysis by questionnaire and interview highlighted the acceptability and satisfaction with SHED-IT. Low-dose approaches to weight loss are feasible, acceptable, and can achieve clinically important weight loss in men after 1-year follow-up.


Subject(s)
Combined Modality Therapy/methods , Internet , Obesity/therapy , Patient Education as Topic/methods , Weight Loss/physiology , Adult , Behavior Therapy/methods , Diet, Reducing , Exercise Therapy , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Selection , Program Evaluation , Self-Help Groups , Sex Characteristics , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult
19.
Public Health Nutr ; 14(1): 168-75, 2011 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20602869

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe dietary changes in men participating in an obesity intervention as part of the Self-Help, Exercise and Diet using Information Technology (SHED-IT) study. DESIGN: An assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing Internet (n 34) v. information-only groups (n 31) with 6-month follow-up. Dietary intake assessed by FFQ, reporting usual consumption of seventy-four foods and six alcoholic beverages using a 10-point frequency scale. A single portion size (PSF) factor was calculated based on photographs to indicate usual serving sizes. SETTING: The campus community of the University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. SUBJECTS: Sixty-five overweight/obese men (43 % students, 42 % non-academic general staff, 15 % academic staff; mean age 35.9 (sd 11.1) years, mean BMI 30.6 (sd 2.8) kg/m2). RESULTS: The average PSF decreased significantly over time (χ2 = 20.9, df = 5, P < 0.001) with no differences between groups. While both groups reduced mean daily energy intake (GLM χ2 = 34.5, df = 3, P < 0.001), there was a trend towards a greater reduction in the Internet group (GLM χ2 = 3.3, P = 0.07). Both groups reduced percentage of energy from fat (P < 0.05), saturated fat (P < 0.001) and energy-dense/nutrient-poor items (P < 0.05), with no change in dietary fibre or alcohol (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although men reported some positive dietary changes during weight loss, they did not increase vegetable intakes nor decrease alcohol consumption, while saturated fat, fibre and Na intakes still exceeded national targets. Future interventions for men should promote specific food-based guidelines to target improvements in their diet-related risk factor profile for chronic diseases.


Subject(s)
Alcohol Drinking , Health Promotion/methods , Internet , Obesity/therapy , Vegetables , Adult , Body Mass Index , Diet, Reducing , Dietary Fats/administration & dosage , Health Education , Humans , Male , New South Wales/epidemiology , Obesity/epidemiology , Prevalence , Treatment Outcome , Weight Loss
20.
Obes Res Clin Pract ; 5(3): e169-266, 2011.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24331106

ABSTRACT

SUMMARY: Recruiting men to weight loss programs is notoriously difficult and little is known about the experiences of men who participate in weight loss programs. The aims of this paper were to report the perceptions and experiences of men who enrolled in the SHED-IT (Self-Help, Exercise, Diet and Information Technology) randomized controlled trial in the context of (1) what attracted them to the program, (2) their satisfaction with the program and its components, and (3) their suggestions for improvements to the program. The SHED-IT program exclusively targeted men and was developed to appeal to men. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 overweight/obese (BMI between 25 and 37 kg/m(2)) men aged 18-60 years who were employed or enrolled at the University of Newcastle and who had been enrolled to the SHED-IT trial and randomly allocated to receive either the Internet intervention or basic weight-loss Information Only. Significant weight loss was achieved by both groups. A thematic analysis was undertaken applying the constant comparison method. Results indicated that lack of knowledge was a major weight loss barrier and men were attracted to a program that did not require extensive time commitments, was tailored for men and allowed inclusion of 'treat' food and drinks. Men were satisfied with both programs and valued the education about energy balance and the humour used to deliver simple messages. More face-to-face contact was a common suggestion for improvement. Our findings will inform future weight loss interventions for men and assist researchers and practitioners to engage men in weight loss.:

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